Oyo Labour to Next Government, Maintain or Improve Current Worker Benefits

…Labour Leaders Insist on Sustaining Makinde’s Welfare Policies Amid Rising Hardship

…Warn Against Democratic Abuse, Urge Free and Fair Elections

The Labour leaders in Oyo State has declared that workers in the state will not accept any condition of service below what is currently provided by the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde.

This Statement was made known by the Chairman Oyo State Trade Union Congress, Oyo Council, Comrade Bosun Olabiyi during his address at the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration held at Adamasingba Stadium in Ibadan, themed “Insecurity, Poverty – Bane of Decent Work.”

He warned politicians aspiring to take over leadership at the Agodi Government House in 2027 that Oyo State workers have set a clear benchmark based on the present administration’s policies.According to him, “The minimum that Oyo State workers will accept from any incoming government is what we are currently receiving under Governor Seyi Makinde.

We will not take anything less from anyone who assumes office on May 29, 2027.”The labour leader commended the state government for improvements in workers’ welfare, including prompt salary payments, recruitment efforts, promotions, and the introduction of a ₦10,000 monthly palliative to cushion the effects of rising fuel prices.

He noted that Oyo State was among the first to introduce such a measure, describing it as a commendable intervention, though he urged the government to make the palliative permanent and increase the amount.

Olabiyi also highlighted the economic hardship faced by workers, attributing it largely to the rising cost of fuel linked to global developments, particularly tensions in the Middle East.

He said the situation has worsened poverty levels among workers, making basic needs such as food, housing, and transportation increasingly unaffordable.

Olabiyi further stressed that despite the recent increase in the minimum wage, the current figure still falls short of a true living wage.

“We asked for a living wage, but what we got is even below a realistic minimum. While we appreciate the Oyo State Government for implementing ₦80,000, above the national benchmark, we must continue to push for better conditions,” he said.

As part of recommendations to alleviate workers’ hardship, the TUC chairman called for tax relief measures to allow workers directly benefit from increased government revenues driven by higher global crude oil prices.

He also urged the Federal Government to supply crude oil to local refineries at subsidized rates to stabilize fuel prices in the domestic market.

“The gains from rising crude oil prices are being enjoyed by governments, but workers are not feeling the impact. Tax relief will ensure that workers benefit directly,” Olabiyi added.

In a related address, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Oyo State, Comrade Kayode Martins, emphasized the need for democratic integrity and people-centered governance.

Martins warned against actions that could undermine Nigeria’s democracy, stressing that the will of the people must always prevail.

He also called on citizens to reject vote buying and electoral malpractice, noting that credible elections are essential for sustainable development and improved workers’ welfare.

Martins urged employers in both public and private sectors to uphold fairness, respect workers’ rights, and improve working conditions, adding that profit should not come at the expense of human dignity.

He also encouraged workers to remain united and committed to the principles of the labour movement in their pursuit of better welfare and living conditions.

The 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Oyo State brought together labour leaders, government officials, and workers across various sectors to reflect on the challenges facing the workforce and advocate for improved socio-economic conditions.