Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has said the N18,000 minimum wage under former President Goodluck Jonathan had greater purchasing power than the current N70,000 minimum wage.
Makinde made the statement on Friday while addressing civil servants at the Oyo State Government House in Agodi, Ibadan, after returning from his annual leave. His remarks were also reported by TheCable on September 19, 2026.
The governor noted that Nigeria’s national minimum wage had increased from N18,000 to N30,000 in 2019 under former President Muhammadu Buhari before rising to N70,000 in 2024 under President Bola Tinubu.
However, Makinde argued that the nominal increase in wages had not translated into greater purchasing power because of rising living costs and the economic pressures experienced by Nigerians following the removal of the petrol subsidy.
“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,” Makinde 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.”
The governor described the situation as a “voodoo economy” and called for discussions between the Nigeria Labour Congress and relevant authorities over the economic challenges facing workers.
“So, Nigeria Labour Congress, we have to sit down. Our people are challenged. That is the reality. The resources are limited,” he said.
Makinde Extends Wage Award
In response to the economic pressures, Makinde announced that the Oyo State Government would extend its existing wage award to workers for another three months.
He also said the state would continue its transport subsidy as part of measures aimed at supporting workers amid the rising cost of living.
Governor Questions Tinubu’s Power Transfer
Makinde also criticised President Tinubu over what he described as the failure to formally transfer presidential responsibilities to Vice-President Kashim Shettima while the president was outside the country.
The Oyo governor compared the situation with his own recent annual vacation, during which he said he handed over responsibilities to his deputy, Bayo Lawal.
“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.
He questioned why the president would not formally hand over power to the vice-president when he was away from the country.
“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?” he asked.
Makinde said he spent about one month away on vacation while his deputy and other members of his administration continued to oversee the affairs of Oyo State.
“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 said.
The governor further urged the president to abide by what he described as the constitutional requirement concerning the transfer of presidential responsibilities.
“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,” Makinde added.
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