Seyi Makinde, the governor of Oyo State, established a committee on Monday to assess worker salaries in response to the Federal Government’s removal of fuel subsidy.

The committee was formed during a meeting with state labour leaders in Ibadan, the state’s capital, and has eight weeks to provide its report.

During the discussion, the governor made it clear that his government was prepared for the review and that the state could offer the necessary programmes to mitigate the effects.

Makinde said, “For us, with all sincerity, I think it is time to engage and ensure that we are proactive, irrespective of what is coming from the Federal level. We are already prepared for it here and we can run our own programmes.

“Yes, the fuel subsidy removal is going to affect all of us but we do have control over certain things in this state, and one of these is to be proactive and engage ourselves. They may call for strike or certain actions at the Federal level but the labour leaders in the state must be aware of our own situation. So, we must appreciate the fact that our economy is fragile. We must be proactive and set the tone without prejudice to whatever negotiation is happening at the Federal level.

“I can say to the whole world that in the state, there is no trust deficit between the government and labour leaders. It actually goes both ways. If we agree on what to do, I don’t look back, and if you have my commitment to anything, you should not look back. Whatever is happening at the national level should not create any trust deficit between us. So, I welcome you all to Omituntun 2.0.” The governor stated.

Speaking on behalf of other affiliated unions, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Kayode Martins, who was supported by his Trade Union Congress counterpart, Olatubosun Olabiyi, said minimum wage review was overdue, calling on the government to work towards its quick realization.

The meeting had in attendance the Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal; Head of Service, Bunmi Oni; former Deputy Governor, Taofeek Arapaja; former Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Monsurat Sunmonu; former Special Adviser on Labour, Bayo Titilola-Sodo; wife of former governor, Mutiat Ladoja; traditional rulers and a host of others.