A coalition of civil society organizations, The Osun Masterminds (TOM), has criticized the Osun State Government for delaying the implementation of the new national minimum wage, which they say is harming civil servants’ morale. Speaking at the October “State-of-the-State” address in Osogbo, TOM’s Executive Director, Professor Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli, expressed disappointment with Governor Ademola Adeleke for failing to implement the new minimum wage by October.
Professor Oyedokun-Alli argued that the administration, which identifies itself as pro-masses, should have acted promptly on the wage increase. He pointed out that the current economic situation necessitates an urgent response, stating, “Even paying tomorrow is already late. We will welcome it if they pay more than N70,000, because the economy is biting hard.”
Additionally, Oyedokun-Alli criticized the governor’s expenses, highlighting a large convoy of vehicles funded by taxpayers and an excessive number of special advisers, some of whom lack office spaces. He urged the state government to act swiftly to fulfill its commitment to the workforce.
In response, the Osun State Government confirmed that a minimum wage negotiation committee, led by Chief of Staff Kazeem Akinleye, is still addressing issues related to consequential adjustments in the new wage structure.
