In a move that has drawn widespread praise from the labour community, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has announced an increase in the minimum wage for workers from N70,000 to N75,000.
The development was met with applause during the May Day celebration held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Thursday.
Speaking at the event, the acting Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State chapter, Bernard Egwekhide, expressed gratitude for the governor’s swift and impactful actions since assuming office.
“Just within six months in office, you have done excellently well for Edo State. Your performance is beyond our expectations as workers,” Egwekhide stated.
“You have taken the welfare of Edo workers seriously and embarked on interventions that to a great extent enabled workers in the State to enjoy their civil rights.”
Describing the event’s theme, “Reclaiming the Civil Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” as timely and insightful, Egwekhide said it aptly reflected the challenges facing the nation’s workforce.
Governor Okpebholo, in his remarks, emphasized the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
“Today, I am proud to announce that our administration has approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 per month for Edo workers,” he said.
“It’s our way of saying thank you to Edo workers. We believe this will make a real difference, and in return, we count on your renewed dedication as we build a better Edo together.”
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He also recognized the vital role that civil servants play in the state’s progress.
“This celebration honours the hardworking men and women who keep the state moving forward as they support their families with dignity and strength,” he added.
The governor highlighted several other efforts made by his administration to improve workers’ welfare. Among them was the absorption of over 1,000 casual workers, including cleaners, into the core civil service. Additionally, 500 new teachers have been recruited, and the employment status of more than 3,000 casual teachers is under review for possible regularization.
“We are reviewing the casual position of over 3,000 Edo State teachers for possible full employment because their effort will shape our children’s future,” he said.
In the healthcare sector, Okpebholo announced that 450 clinical and non-clinical staff had been approved for recruitment, and 126 contract workers at the Edo State Specialist Hospital had been regularised.
“These steps not only strengthen our health system but also improve job stability for health professionals,” he said.
Other notable interventions include clearing salary backlogs at Edo State Polytechnic and addressing long-overdue judicial appointments. The governor also revealed that retirees would now benefit from health insurance coverage.
“To show our commitment doesn’t end at retirement, we have also approved health insurance coverage for our retirees because we believe that our responsibility to workers doesn’t end when they leave active service,” he said.
He concluded with a reaffirmation of his government’s promise to maintain timely payment of salaries and pensions, continue strategic recruitment, and uphold fairness in managing the state’s civil service.
“As we mark this day, I join President Bola Tinubu and my fellow governors in wishing all Nigerian workers a peaceful and fulfilling celebration. Your efforts shape our nation and lay the foundation for a better tomorrow,” the governor said.
The celebration saw the presence of key government and political figures, including Deputy Governor Dennis Idahosa, Speaker Blessing Agbebaku, Secretary to the State Government Musa Ikhilor, Chief of Staff Gani Audu, Head of Service Anthony Okungbowa, former Deputy Governor Philip Shaibu, APC State Chairman Jaret Tenebe, labour leaders, and several civil servants.
