Oyo State Governor Approves Salary Increase for Legislative Workers

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved an increase in the basic salary, allowances and annual basic salary for all the staff of the Oyo State House of Assembly, and the Oyo State House of Assembly Commission.

The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, made the disclosure, on Tuesday, in a remark at the annual Inter-faith Service for civil servants in the state.

The event, organised by the state government had in attendance Governor Seyi Makinde, members of the State Executive Council, top government functionaries, civil servants, religious leaders, among others.

Ogundoyin disclosed that the approvals, as granted by Governor Makinde include: 35 percent Basic Salary (Legislative Duty Allowance), 30 percent of other allowances under the Negotiated Consolidated Legislative Salary Structure (CONLESS) and 10 percent Annual Basic Salary to be reinstated as Leave Bonus, effective from January 1, 2024.

The Speaker implored Governor Makinde, who is also the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), to encourage other governors to give priority to the legislature in their various states in order to have a stronger, more effective and sustainable state legislative institution across the country.

Ogundoyin, who is the Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Houses of Assembly in Nigeria, also seized the opportunity to table some requests before the governor, which include a future increase in the 30% negotiated CONLESS, noting that the aspiration for Oyo State is to lead in the full implementation of CONLESS in Nigeria.

He said: “Request for the digitization of our chamber and offices to enhance live plenaries. We need world class website to house all state and federal laws and E-Parliament, which is not only the most effective in terms of cost, time and productivity, but also in line with the best global practice. In depth general renovation of the House of Assembly Complex, House Of Chiefs and the Western Hall.”

“One of the legacies of His Excellency is the building of strong institutions, and we are convinced that with your influence, capacity and leadership dexterity, you will make greater impacts at the federal level as past events had shown and proven. Hence we are appealing to you, Sir, to further help in championing the course of state legislatures amongst the NGF,” the speaker appealed.

Ogundoyin assured that the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly was committed to protecting the cordial relationship that exists between the Legislature and the Executive as well as the Judiciary, with the intention of making Oyo State the pace setter state in its real and true sense.