Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Oyo State, Professor Salihu AbdulWaheed Adelabu, has disclosed that the state government spends ₦2 billion every month on payment of gratuities.
He also stated that the administration of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde is committed to promoting efficiency, adding industrial peace and ensuring that the welfare of both serving and retired civil/public servants in the state is given priority attention.
Adelabu stated this on Monday, during the Omitutun 2.0 Inter-Ministerial Briefing, noting that the Oyo State government has been executing initiatives that enhance service delivery, improve institutional capacity and also deepen the professionalism of the workforce in the state.
A cording to the commissioner, the government increased the payment of monthly gratuity fund from ₦206 million monthly in 2019 to ₦1 billion in May 2025.
He added that Oyo State has been paying ₦1 billion to retirees in both the mainstream service and secondary schools teachers and another ₦1 billion to retirees in primary schools and local government areas in the state.
Adelabu stated that since the inception of the administration in May 2019, over ₦13 billion has been disbursed to settle accumulated arrears of gratuities for retirees, both in the mainstream service and among secondary school teachers, benefitting a total of 7,250 retirees.
The commissioner spoke on the issue of human capacity training and re-training of workers across the cadres.
He stated that International Standard Organisation (ISO) Management Model would be adopted to enhance work efficiency, transparency and effectiveness of civil and public servants.
He added that the same model would be adopted to develop a database on manpower and training needed across the state’s workforce, aimed at identifying skill gaps and deploying resources for targeted learning.
He disclosed that the Governor Makinde-led administration has also assured that it would clear all pension debts before the expiration of its tenure in 2027.
He said: “A significant area of our work is the preservation of industrial harmony. The ministry has served and continues to serve as a vital link between the government and various labour organisations within the civil and public service.
“It offers mediation in disputes, responding to grievances, and ensure that matters such as union dues and allowances are addressed in a timely and transparent manner. This has been key to maintaining a peaceful and stable work environment across the public sector.
“The ministry’s commitment to financial efficiency led to the abolition of the ₦4,000 Retirement Form Fee in December 2024.
“Additionally, the ministry transitioned from a cheque-based to an electronic payment system by July 2024, enhancing accountability and streamlining the payment process.
“We have also commenced the digitisation of retirement documentation to facilitate faster and more transparent processing of entitlements.
“In a related development, 32 pension desk officers were trained in 2023 to enhance pension administration across MDAs. We have also prioritised the payment of retirees whose gratuities are under ₦1 million.
“The ministry continues to discharge its responsibilities following the Ayida Recommendations of 1994, which placed the Centrally Deployed Cadres (CDC)—comprising Executive Officers (General Duties), Secretarial Assistants, Confidential Secretaries, Stores Officers, and lately Data Processing Officers and Programme Officers—under our supervision.
“We manage their postings, promotions, discipline, and general welfare.
“I am pleased to report that all eligible officers for the 2023 and 2024 promotion exercises have received their promotion letters, a notable achievement that underscores our commitment to timely and merit-based recognition.
“The ministry’s reform agenda includes the professionalisation of the human resources function within the public service, which was approved by the Oyo State Government in July 2024.
“As part of this, the nomenclature for Information Officer was changed to Information and Public Relations Officer (GL. 08–17), and Executive Officer (Information and Public Relations) for GL. 06–14.
“Furthermore, the Environmental Health Superintendent Cadre was re-designated as the Environmental Health Technologist Cadre in February 2025, reflecting contemporary professional standards, among many others.
“We have also developed homegrown schemes of service to enable the primary school teachers to progress to Grade Level 17.
“In the same vein, the ministry, with the approval of the Head of Service, also issued homegrown schemes of service for the Road Traffic Officer Cadre to give room for a variety of specialties in line with the best global practices.
“On the recruitment front, the ministry facilitated the hiring of junior staff into critical positions across various MDAs, including the Ministries of Justice, Agriculture and Rural Development, Lands, Housing and Urban Development, the Oyo State Library Board, the Office of the Surveyor General, and the Agency for Youth Development.
“Positions filled include clerical officers, assistant executive officers, confidential secretaries, youth development assistants, agricultural technologists, technical officers, library assistants, field overseers, attendants, and watchmen.
“This recruitment drive has ensured a steady inflow of talent into the state workforce.
“To support career progression, the ministry has sustained regular confirmation and promotion examinations. In 2023, a total of 58 officers participated—10 passed the promotion examination, while 48 were confirmed.
“By 2024, the number of candidates increased to 82, a testament to the growing engagement of officers in professional advancement.
“Additionally, the ministry is responsible for recruiting into the junior staff cadre, ensuring a reliable succession plan in the Civil/Public Service,” he said.
The commissioner said the ministry has consistently promoted capacity building, recognising that training is the bedrock of public service transformation.
He added that numerous applications for in-service training have been processed, and study leave without pay has been granted to officers seeking further education.
“We also facilitate placements for students on internship programmes, thereby bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical experience.
“To further strengthen our human capital planning, the ministry has commenced the development of a database on manpower and training needs across the state workforce, aimed at identifying skill gaps and deploying resources for targeted learning.
“The ministry continues to place staff welfare at the forefront. Between May 2023 and May 2025, a total of ₦340,016,982.28 was paid as staff salaries, while ₦11,363,169.23 was disbursed as leave bonuses.
“These payments have been made promptly, reflecting the administration’s unwavering commitment to a motivated and effective workforce,” he added.
The commissioner disclosed that the progress achieved by the ministry during the period under review aligned seamlessly with the vision and reform agenda of Governor Makinde.
“The administration has demonstrated a consistent commitment to revitalising the state civil service through forward-thinking policies, capacity-building interventions, and robust welfare programmes.
“I also wish to extend the appreciation of the Oyo State government to the leadership of trade unions in the state. Their maturity, cooperation, and commitment to constructive dialogue have been instrumental in sustaining industrial peace.
“As we approach the political season, I urge them to continue prioritising dialogue and consultation in resolving matters that affect their members,” he said.
