Pensioners in Oyo State are now the best-paid in Nigeria, thanks to recent reforms by Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration. The state’s Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Hon. Segun Olayiwola, made the announcement while addressing journalists on the ongoing improvements in retirees’ welfare.
According to him, the least-paid pensioners in Oyo now receive ₦25,000 monthly, a major shift from previous years when some got as little as ₦350.
📌 Key Details
- Minimum Pension: Now set at ₦25,000, the highest in the country for civil service retirees.
- Pension Adjustments: The update includes:
- A 33% increase (from a 2010 review),
- A 20% increment on previous rates,
- Adjustments tied to the ₦32,000 minimum wage.
- Gratuity Payments: Monthly disbursement for retired workers has increased from ₦500 million to ₦1 billion, shared between state and local government retirees.
- Outstanding Pension Debts: The government inherited ₦61 billion in pension arrears in 2019 and has pledged to clear all debts by May 2027.
🤔 Why This Matters
- For years, Oyo pensioners struggled with extremely low payments — some receiving less than ₦1,000 a month.
- This reform marks a human-centered approach to governance, prioritizing the well-being of senior citizens who dedicated decades to public service.
- By becoming the first state to pay such a high minimum pension, Oyo sets an example for others to follow.
🔮 What’s Next?
- The state will continue paying ₦1 billion monthly in gratuities to keep up with the clearing of arrears.
- The Makinde administration says it will monitor the well-being of pensioners and may introduce more reforms if needed.
- Other states may look to Oyo as a model as pressure builds nationwide for fairer treatment of retirees.
