Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo on Thursday increased the minimum wage for Edo State workers from N70, 000 to N75,000 to further improve their standard of living.
Governor Okpebholo made the announcement while delivering his May Day speech at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Edo State capital.
While appreciating the contributions of workers to the growth and development of Edo State, Okpebholo said his administration will always seek ways to improve the welfare of Edo workers.
He described the workers’ day celebration as a special day set aside to honour the hardworking men and women who keep moving the state forward as they support their families with dignity and strength.
“Today, I am proud to announce that our administration has approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 per month for Edo workers.
“It’s our way of saying thank you, 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.
“Since assuming office, my administration has remained fully committed to the welfare of our workers. One of our first actions in office was to convert many casual workers, including over 1,000 cleaners who, for years, had no job security into the core civil service, giving them stability and peace of mind.
“We hired 500 new teachers to ease classroom pressure and help students learn better. We are also 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.
Continuing, Okpebholo said, “We approved the recruitment of 450 clinical and non-clinical staff for our State hospitals and regularised 126 contract staff at Edo State Specialist hospital. These steps not only strengthen our health system but also improve job stability for health professionals.”
The Governor also informed the public that his administration has cleared outstanding salary arrears owed to Edo State polytechnic staff.
Also, in the judiciary, Okpebholo said the administration made sure that judges who had been delayed in their appointments were properly sworn in and now fully carrying out their duties.
He added that the state government also approved health insurance coverage for the retirees to show commitment that their welfare does not end with active service.
Governor Okpebholo also assured of his administration’s commitment to timely payment of salaries and pension; steady recruitment where needed to improve service delivery; staff welfare and development and ensuring that Edo workers are treated with dignity and fairness.
Acting chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State chapter, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide commended Governor Okpebholo for implementation of laudable policies and programmes towards alleviating the suffering and hardships faced by Edo workers and pensioners.
He noted as apt the theme of 2025 May Day: “Reclaiming the civil space in the midst of economic hardship”, noting that it borders on challenges faced by the Nigerian workers due to the current economic hardship in the country.
Egwekhide thanked the Governor Okpebholo-led administration for taking the welfare of Edo workers very seriously and embarking on interventions that enabled workers to enjoy their civil rights.
“Just within six months in office, you have done excellently well for Edo State for Edo State workers as your performance is beyond our expectations as workers,” he said.
He further thanked President Bola Tinubu for supporting Edo State Government “as the first flyover is under construction while a second one has been approved.”
