Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 for civil servants in the state, marking a significant step in improving the welfare of workers.
The announcement was made during the May Day celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Thursday.
The wage increase comes just over a year after the previous administration under Governor Godwin Obaseki raised the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 on April 29, 2024.
Speaking to a crowd of workers on Workers’ Day, Okpebholo emphasized that the wage increase reflects his commitment to enhancing the standard of living for Edo’s workforce.
“Today, I am proud to announce that our administration has approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 per month for all Edo workers,” Okpebholo said. “This is our way of saying thank you to Edo workers. We believe this makes a real difference, and we count on your dedication to a better Edo.”
Okpebholo, who took office recently, also highlighted other key actions taken by his administration to support workers.
He noted that over 1,000 casual workers, including cleaners, have been converted to permanent civil service employees, a move aimed at providing job security and stability.
“My administration has prioritised workers’ welfare since day one,” he added. “In addition to the new wage, we have hired 500 teachers and are reviewing over 3,000 casual teachers for full-time employment. We have also approved the recruitment of 450 clinical and non-clinical hospital staff to improve healthcare services.”
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In a further show of support, the governor announced the regularisation of 126 contract workers at Edo State Specialist Hospital to ensure stability and growth in the healthcare sector.
He also confirmed that salary arrears owed to staff at Edo Polytechnic have been cleared.
Okpebholo marked the significance of May Day as a time to honor workers and reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the timely payment of salaries and pensions.
“May Day is a symbolic moment to honor workers whose efforts sustain the state and provide for their families with dignity,” he said.
In the judiciary, Okpebholo confirmed that judges who had faced delays in their appointments have now been sworn in and are actively fulfilling their duties.
The governor concluded his speech by reiterating his administration’s dedication to workers’ welfare, ensuring the prompt and consistent payment of salaries and pensions.