Oyo State Governor and Allied Peoples Movement (APM) presidential candidate, Seyi Makinde, has criticised the economic policies of President Bola Tinubu’s administration, arguing that the old N18,000 minimum wage had greater purchasing power than the current N70,000 wage.
Makinde made the claim on Friday while addressing civil servants at the Oyo State Government House in Agodi, Ibadan, after returning from his annual leave.
The governor described the prevailing economic situation as a “voodoo economy”, saying the increase in workers’ nominal wages had not kept pace with the rising cost of living.
“It’s been a very challenging period, economically. Yes, FAAC has gone up. But when I came in as governor, the first salary bill I signed was N4.5 billion,” he said.
“Today, the salary bill is N18 billion. The minimum wage as of the time I came was N18,000. Today, it is N80,000. But the N18,000 of that time can even buy more than what the current N70,000 can do today.
“That is the kind of voodoo economy that they have handed over to Nigeria.
“So, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), we have to sit down. Our people are challenged. That is the reality. The resources are limited.”
The federal minimum wage was increased from N18,000 to N30,000 in 2019, before the Tinubu administration approved N70,000 as the new national minimum wage in July 2024 amid concerns over the impact of petrol subsidy removal and rising living costs.
Makinde said the economic pressures facing workers had prompted his administration to extend measures aimed at cushioning the impact.
He announced that the state’s existing wage award would be renewed for another three months, while the transport subsidy for workers would also continue.
“I want to assure you today that the wage award will be renewed for another three months. We will also continue with the transport subsidy. I want to thank our workers for their efforts, dedication and support,” Makinde said.
Makinde Faults Tinubu Over Presidential Handover
The governor also took aim at President Tinubu over the transfer of presidential functions to Vice-President Kashim Shettima during the President’s absence from the country.
Makinde drew a comparison with his own recent annual leave, saying he handed over responsibilities to his deputy, Bayo Lawal, before travelling.
“I went on vacation, but I handed over to my deputy governor. I am running to be the president of Nigeria because I have the capacity,” Makinde said.
“They’re trampling on the constitution of Nigeria. If the president is out of the country, why is he scared of handing over power to the vice-president?
“I went away for one month, but my team was able to carry the responsibility of running the state. So, tell him (Tinubu) to follow the constitution of Nigeria.
“He swore at the Eagle Square to abide by the constitution. If the president is not around, hand over the government to the vice-president. That is the constitution.”
Section 145 of the Nigerian Constitution provides that where the President transmits a written declaration to the Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives stating that he is proceeding on vacation or is otherwise unable to discharge his functions, the Vice-President is to discharge the President’s functions as Acting President until the President transmits a contrary declaration.
Makinde’s comments came as he resumed official duties in Oyo State after his annual leave, with the governor reiterating his administration’s commitment to measures intended to provide relief to state workers amid economic pressures.
