Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has approved a N10,000 monthly salary top up for workers in the state, as part of measures to cushion the effects of rising fuel prices.
The governor announced the intervention on Monday in Ibadan, the state capital, stating that all state and local government employees will benefit from the additional payment beginning in April, initially for a three-month period, with a possibility of extension depending on economic conditions.
“I’m happy to announce that all workers in Oyo State and the local government starting from April, at least for the first three months, will be given N10,000 in addition to their monthly salary as petrol/transportation support. All workers, everybody. It is a flat rate. Maybe it would be extended.
“Those who are not working with the Oyo State government may also benefit from it. We will handle it properly to ensure it is all-inclusive. As I approach the end of my administration, one of the things I’m particularly focused on is ensuring continuity,” he said.
The move comes amid growing economic pressure on Nigerians following increases in fuel prices, which have driven up transportation and living costs across the country.
Beyond the economic intervention, recent political developments involving Makinde have drawn attention ahead of the 2027 general elections. The governor, alongside Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, held a series of high level meetings with key political figures.
Among those present were Senator Seriake Dickson, former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso, and Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi.
Although the meetings were officially linked to Eid-el-Fitr celebrations, sources suggested they may also be connected to early political alignments ahead of the next presidential election cycle.
The discussions come as internal tensions persist within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), with factions divided over leadership and the party’s upcoming national convention.
Jungudo Mohammed, spokesperson for a faction aligned with Minister Nyesom Wike, accused another group within the party of attempting to influence the convention process.
However, Ini Ememobong, representing the opposing camp, dismissed the allegations, describing them as efforts to undermine reconciliation within the party.
Despite the ongoing divisions, stakeholders continue to position themselves politically, even as economic concerns such as rising fuel costs remain a pressing issue for citizens.
Ademide Adebayo
