• The Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has approved a N10,000 monthly salary top-up for Oyo workers
• The payment is expected to last three months starting April, with possible extension
• The intervention is aimed at cushioning the effects of rising fuel prices for both state and local government workers

The Governor of Oyo State, Seyi Makinde, has announced a N10,000 monthly salary top-up for workers in Oyo State as part of efforts to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices.

The governor made the announcement on Monday, March 23, during a programme held in Ibadan, stating that the initiative will run for an initial period of three months, beginning in April, with the possibility of an extension depending on prevailing economic conditions.

According to Makinde, the intervention is designed to ease transportation costs for workers affected by the recent fuel price hike.

“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.

Makinde also hinted that the initiative may be extended beyond government workers to include other residents in the state, noting that modalities would be put in place to ensure inclusiveness.

Political undercurrents ahead of 2027

The announcement comes amid intensifying political consultations ahead of the 2027 general elections.

Recently, Makinde held strategic meetings alongside Bauchi State Governor Bala Mohammed, who also chairs the PDP Governors’ Forum, and Senator Seriake Dickson.

The political engagements extended to Kano, where Makinde and Dickson met with former Kano State Governor Rabiu Kwankwaso and Peter Obi.

Although officially described as part of Eid al-Fitr celebrations, insiders suggest the meetings may be linked to early alignments for the 2027 presidential race.

Meanwhile, tensions continue within the Peoples Democratic Party, as factions loyal to Minister Nyesom Wike and those aligned with the governors remain at odds.

Jungudo Mohammed, spokesperson for the Wike-backed faction, accused the rival camp led by Tanimu Turaki of attempting to disrupt the party’s upcoming national convention scheduled for March 29 and 30.

However, Ini Ememobong, spokesperson for the Turaki-aligned group, dismissed the allegations as baseless, describing them as an attempt at character assassination and reiterating their commitment to party unity.

The PDP crisis has deepened over the past year, effectively splitting the party into two factions. Despite this, the governors’ camp proceeded with a convention held in Ibadan on November 16, where Turaki and other officials emerged as members of the National Working Committee.