Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has increased the minimum wage for state workers from N70,000 to N75,000, pledging continued efforts to enhance workers’ welfare. The announcement was made during his May Day address at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City.
According to the Chief Press Secretary to the Edo State Governor Owaen Fred Itua, acknowledging the vital role of workers in the state’s growth, Governor Okpebholo described the wage increase as a gesture of appreciation and a step toward improving living standards. “Today, I am proud to announce that our administration has approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 per month for Edo workers,” he stated. “We believe this will make a real difference, and in return, we count on your renewed dedication as we build a better Edo together.”
The governor highlighted several initiatives undertaken to improve employment conditions since assuming office, including the regularization of over 1,000 casual workers, the recruitment of 500 teachers to reduce classroom pressure, and the ongoing review of 3,000 casual teaching positions for possible permanent employment.
In the healthcare sector, the administration recruited 450 clinical and non-clinical staff for state hospitals and regularized 126 contract staff at the Edo State Specialist Hospital. Governor Okpebholo also confirmed the clearance of salary arrears for Edo State Polytechnic staff, the swearing-in of delayed judicial appointments, and the introduction of health insurance coverage for retirees.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to timely salary and pension payments, steady recruitment to boost service delivery, and the continuous prioritization of workers’ welfare.
Acting Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Edo State chapter, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide, commended the governor for his swift implementation of worker-friendly policies. He praised the administration’s interventions, which he said had alleviated the hardships faced by workers and pensioners in the state. Egwekhide also acknowledged federal support, noting progress on infrastructure projects such as the construction of flyovers and rehabilitation of federal roads across Edo State.
The May Day celebration was attended by several dignitaries, including Deputy Governor Hon. Dennis Idahosa; Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; Secretary to the State Government, Musa Ikhilor; Chief of Staff, Gani Audu; Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa; former Deputy Governor Comrade Phillip Shaibu; APC State Chairman Jaret Tenebe; party leaders, labour leaders, and state workers.
