By Dipo Olowookere
On Wednesday, the Oyo State government released the sum of N9.78 billion for the payment of salaries and pensions for the workers under the payroll of local government councils in the state.
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Mr Bimbo Kolade, who made the disclosure, explained that part of the money would also be used for the payment of primary school teachers’ salaries for the months of March and April 2018, teachers’ leave bonus for 2016 and primary school pensioners’ pension.
He further explained that out of the over N9 billion, the sum of N4.8 billion would be used for the payment of primary school teacher’s salary for March and April, 2018 and leave bonus for 2016, while N438.8 million is for payment of retired primary school pensioners.
Mr Kolade added that the sum of N4.5 billion will be used for the payment of salary and pension for local government staff, saying that the money has been disbursed for local government councils across the state for the immediate payment of salaries of their workforce.
The Commissioner stressed that the money released will reduce the outstanding arrears owed workers at the local government level ranging from one to six months, urging the local government council chairmen to use the money for the purpose for which government has approved its disbursement.
He stated that the government remains committed to the welfare of the workers and people of Oyo State, assuring that efforts are being made to clear the backlog of pensions and gratuities owed the retired primary school teachers.
The Commissioner pointed out that efforts that led to the payment of N200 million for gratuities of pensioners at the state level is being replicated at the local government level with the release of over N400 million, noting that the government will continue to strive hard to ensure that workers get their dues promptly.
