Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has constituted a committee to review workers’ salaries in the state, following the removal of fuel subsidy by federal government.
The committee was given eight weeks to submit its report.
In a statement by Governor Makinde’s Chief Press Secretary, Suleiman Olanrewaju, stating that the removal of subsidy on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), it became imperative to review the salary structure of workers to cushion its effect.
According to the CPS, “For us, with all sincerity, I think it is time to engage and ensure that we are proactive, irrespective of what is coming from the federal level. We are already prepared for it here and we can run our own programmes.
“Yes, the fuel subsidy removal is going to affect all of us but we do have control over certain things in Oyo State, and one of these is to be proactive and engage ourselves. They may call for strike or certain actions at the federal level but the labour leaders in Oyo State must be aware of our own situation.
“So, we must appreciate the fact that our economy is fragile. We must be proactive and set the tone without prejudice to whatever negotiation that is happening at the federal level.”
The governor, while reiterating his cordial relationship with the union leaders in Oyo state, said, “I can say it to the whole world that in Oyo State there is no trust deficit between the government and labour leaders. It actually goes both ways. If we agree on what to do, I don’t look back, and if you have my commitment on anything, you should not look back. Whatever that is happening at the national level should not create any trust deficit between us. So, I welcome you all to Omituntun 2.0.
The Governor express his appreciation to the Labour leaders for their unflinching support during his first term in office
In his reaction, the NLC chairman said minimum wage review was overdue. He then called on the state government to work towards its quick realization.
The meeting had in attendance: Oyo State chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kayode Martins, Trade Union Congress Chairman, Olatunbosun Olabiyi, the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal; Head of Service, Bunmi Oni; former Deputy Governor, Ambasador Taofeek Arapaja; former Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; former Special Adviser on Labour, Bayo Titilola-Sodo; wife of former governor, Alhaja Mutiat Ladoja; and traditional leaders, among others.
Tribune.