Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Monday, said his administration had been able to improve the performance of the state’s annual budgets from 30 to 35 per cent to over 70 per cent because it “engages the whole spectrum of stakeholders in the budget process and has the interests of the state at heart.”
The governor stated this when he assented to the N684 billion 2025 Appropriation Act tagged “Budget of Economic Stabilisation” at a budget signing ceremony held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.
Makinde said that the government would target 80 per cent budget implementation in 2025, adding that his administration would push for reforms, people-centred policies, and economic stability and work for the well-being of residents of the state.
In a statement signed by Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Special Adviser (Media) to the Oyo State Governor, the governor noted that the 2025 budget would also play a key role in stabilising the economy.
He hailed the collaborative relationship between the executive and legislative branches of the state. He said the whole process, including the stakeholders’ engagement meetings, budget preparation, Treasury meetings, and the scrutiny by the lawmakers, took about three months because all stakeholders prioritised the state’s growth.
Governor Makinde also explained that the 2025 budget has provisions for the new minimum wage, stating that the new wage and consequential adjustments will take effect from January 1, 2025.
The governor appreciated labour union leaders and the entire workforce’s understanding and support regarding implementing the new minimum wage. He reassured them that the government would pay the 13th-month salary to all workers and retirees on December 31, 2024.
He said, “This journey began in September 2024, when we kicked off the budget stakeholders’ meeting in all zones. After meeting and hearing from our people, we prepared the budget and held Treasury Board meetings. It is not just a yearly ritual.
“I will use this opportunity to thank everybody because we explained to them. Before we started this minimum wage discussion, we discussed. The budget is almost like the operational manual to run this administration, like the Bible or Quran we put by the side. And whatever you put in there, that is what you will want to follow through.
“So, if we are saying from nowhere that we should start implementing the minimum wage and consequential adjustment in 2024, it is either we are not faithful to ourselves or we are not following our own laws.
“We will start the implementation on the first of January 2025. But the 2024 budget had the provision for the main salary, wage award, and the 13th month, and we have implemented them. The salary has been paid. We should be having the wage award this week. And, by the 31st of this month, the 13th-month salary would be paid. We have made provision for all of that.
The governor added that the budget was presented to the House of Assembly in November, and the legislators reviewed it for six weeks.
Makinde continued, “The Assembly made it a priority that this budget was approved in the shortest possible time, and today, we are ready to sign it off. The entire process is just about three months. So, this is a testament that things work better and smoother where there is collaboration.
“Since we assumed office in 2019, we have had continuous collaboration between the Executive and Legislature, which has become the envy of some. Where there is unity of purpose, things work harmoniously, which is the kind of relationship among the three arms of government in Oyo State. We didn’t have to coerce anybody. We carry ourselves along and arrive at the same destination.
“So, here in Oyo State, the Executive and Legislature are working harmoniously because the leadership chose to put the people of Oyo State first. If they are looking for the secret to our continuous collaboration, it is just that simple.
“That is why when people ask us how we have been able to go from about 30 to 35 per cent budget implementation by the previous administration to over 70 per cent, it is because we are talking across the entire spectrum of stakeholders.
“So, I am hoping that, this year, we will move to 80 per cent implementation.
“What this means is that once you have the road to your house within the budget, there is an 80 per cent chance that it will be implemented, and I think that is better than having 35 per cent.
“Let me also use this opportunity to reassure our people. 2024 has been a tough year for all of us, but we cannot give up. As long as we have life, we will continue to push for reforms, policies, and economic stability. This budget will play a key role in making these possible, and I will solicit once again for continued support for this administration.”
Governor Makinde also urged residents to continue supporting his administration, declaring that his government would continue to be transparent and open to engagement from the state’s people.
Earlier in his remarks, the Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, said the upward review of the budget from N678 billion to N684 billion was a deliberate effort to accommodate emerging priorities and critical projects that will drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall quality of life for the people of the state.
He added that the signing of the 2025 Budget “signifies a major leap forward, paving the way for unprecedented growth and development and providing a blueprint for transforming Oyo State with huge investments in education, infrastructure, and the implementation of the new minimum wage, which has a direct impact on the state’s workers.”
He commended Governor Makinde for his unprecedented achievements in recruiting more workers in the public and civil services. He assured the lawmakers of their support for policies and programmes that drive economic growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall quality of life of the citizens.
Barr, the deputy governor of Oyo State, was in attendance. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; the PDP Deputy National Chairman (South); Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governors of Oyo State, Engr Hamid Gbadamosi and Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi, Wife of former Oyo State Governor, Chief Mrs Mutiat Ladoja and members of the Oyo State House of Assembly, and other top government functionaries
