The Osun State Government has clarified recent reports regarding local government workers’ salaries, addressing claims that payments had stalled due to the alleged hijacking of local government allocations.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, emphasized that core salaries have continued to be paid in full and on schedule, despite nearly a year of withheld allocations totaling approximately ₦230 billion.
“Despite the hijacking of local government allocations, the Osun State Government under Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has sustained salary payments through the state’s resources. This intervention has ensured financial stability for workers and shielded families from avoidable hardship,” Alimi said.
However, the commissioner noted that the withheld funds have affected the payment of certain allowances and supplementary entitlements that are structurally tied to statutory local government allocations.
“The hijacked funds were meant to support grassroots administration, development initiatives, operational responsibilities, and worker-related benefits at the local level. Without access to these allocations, the financial structure designed to support allowances and additional entitlements has been significantly constrained,” he added.
Alimi reiterated that while allowances have been impacted, salaries remain uninterrupted, and the government remains committed to the welfare of local government employees.
“Clear distinctions must be maintained to ensure public understanding is guided by facts. The welfare of workers remains a priority, as demonstrated by the state government’s decision to sustain salary payments despite substantial financial challenges,” he concluded.