IBADAN/Nigeria: The Oyo State Government has called for a comprehensive discussion with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to address the issue of salary deductions before resorting to any form of protest. The government clarified that only three months, not six months, of deductions are owed to workers, asserting that the three-month dues are the least owed among all states in the federation.
According to a statement released by the Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the NLC has been supportive of the present administration due to its commitment to good governance. However, the government urged the NLC to consider the government’s efforts towards workers’ welfare.
In contrast to Oyo State, where July salaries have been paid, not less than 20 states, including Ondo, Plateau, Benue, and Bayelsa, are struggling to clear several months of salary arrears. Additionally, several neighboring states are facing months of deduction arrears.
Despite facing challenges in paying wages, the Oyo State Government emphasized its commitment to its workers. The government pointed out that more than 2,000 civil servants have been promoted, and nearly 1,000 others have been converted to regular service.
It is worth noting that Oyo State pays N7.3 billion monthly as salaries, while receiving only N5 billion as Federal Allocation. Consequently, the entire N2.8 billion raised through Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is used to service salaries.
Prince Oyelade highlighted the government’s accomplishment in undertaking significant infrastructure projects, which have garnered recognition from the NLC and eminent pundits, including Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State. The efficient management of state resources by Governor Seyi Makinde has defied predictions of states struggling to pay salaries by the end of June due to the worsening economic situation.
The Oyo State Government remains confident that the NLC will engage in dialogue and collaborate with the government to find a practical solution that balances workers’ welfare and the challenging economic conditions.
Meanwhile, the state government has urged workers to resume their duties and continue their commendable efforts in serving the public.
