Makinde Speaks on BCOS Pensioners’ Arrears, Says Oyo Government Is Struggling Despite Increased FAAC Allocation
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has acknowledged concerns over alleged outstanding pension payments to pensioners of the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS), promising to look into the matter while explaining the financial pressures facing his administration.
Makinde said the state government was contending with substantial financial obligations and the cost of ongoing projects, despite the reported increase in allocations from the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).
The governor spoke during an interview while responding to concerns about BCOS pensioners who reportedly complained that they were being owed their entitlements.
He said he understood that BCOS operated under a subvention arrangement, noting that the system could sometimes prove inadequate in meeting the financial needs of the institution.
“Well, pensioners at BCOS, I believe that they are on subvention. I think sometimes subvention might not work out well every time,” Makinde said.
The governor explained that the state government had several financial commitments to meet, adding that the increase in monthly allocations did not necessarily translate into sufficient funds to cover all expenditure demands.
“Yes, FAAC has increased, but the expenses on the government are crazy, and we have committed to some projects,” he said.
Makinde’s comments came amid concerns over calls for an increase in government subventions to enable institutions such as BCOS to meet their obligations, including payments to pensioners.
He urged stakeholders to engage with the government on the issue, acknowledging that the administration might not be able to meet every demand immediately.
“When people say I should increase subvention, I say, look, let’s engage more. You might not get all you want, but I am human too. It’s not easy for me,” the governor said.
Makinde also cautioned against what he described as propaganda surrounding increased monthly allocations, insisting that the government’s expenditure commitments must be considered when assessing its financial capacity.
According to him, his administration had previously discussed the matter with organised labour, adding that the financial challenges confronting the government required an honest conversation with the public.
He maintained that his administration would continue to make efforts to address the concerns of workers and pensioners, while stressing that available resources and competing obligations limited what could be achieved at any given time.
“They put us in power, and I will try my best, but there is no magic,” Makinde said, adding that he intended to be honest with the people about the government’s financial position.
“I will look into the BCOS issue, but I want the people to know that we are struggling,” he said.
His remarks indicate that the state government is aware of the concerns surrounding BCOS pensioners’ entitlements, although he did not specify when the outstanding payments might be settled.