Over 50% of N7.9bn Paris Club refund received for salaries, Oyo govt

THE Oyo state government has confirmed the receipt of N7.9 billion as third tranche of the Paris Club refund.

State Commissioner of Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Toye Arulogun who confirmed this to Nigerian Tribune, on Tuesday, added that a minimum of 50 percent will be committed to the payment of outstanding salaries.

Drawing from the last Thursday’s budget presentation by Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Arulogun said salaries for September and October had been approved with workers already receiving September salary alert and that of October soon to be received.

Arulogun in a text message to Nigerian Tribune said, “Oyo State confirms the receipt of N7.9 billion. A minimum of 50 percent will be used to pay outstanding salaries in full fulfillment of the Governor’s statement during the budget speech.

“Currently, the salaries for September and October have been approved. Bank alerts have been received for September and that of October will sound shortly. This means that effectively, the state government is owing only the salary for November 2017.”

It would be recalled that Ajimobi had during his budget presentation asserted commitment to staff welfare, asserting commitment of his administration to boosting staff morale and productivity.

“At the beginning of the year 2016, the State Government was owing 6 months salaries. By January 2017, the outstanding salaries were for 4 months. As at today, the salaries for the months of September and October have been approved for payment, which means that effectively the outstanding is the salary for one month,” Ajimobi said.