The Edo State government has commenced the disbursement of the new minimum wage of N70,000 to its workforce, in line with its pledge to implement the increment starting from May 2024.
Governor Godwin Obaseki had announced the adjustment of the minimum wage during the recent inauguration of the Labour House in Benin City, the state capital.
The decision to raise the minimum wage from N40,000 to N70,000 was made to alleviate the financial strain caused by the challenging economic conditions faced by the people of the state.
In a statement released on Sunday, the State Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, affirmed that the initiation of the payment of the N70,000 minimum wage underscores the dedication of the Obaseki-led administration to the well-being of workers in Edo State.
Nehikhare said, “The Edo State Government has paid the May salaries of workers in the state, reflecting the implementation of the N70,000 new minimum wage.
“This is in fulfillment of the promise made by Governor Godwin Obaseki to increase the minimum wage from N40,000 to N70,000 beginning this May, as part of efforts to cushion the impacts of the harsh economy occasioned by fuel subsidy removal and other economic decisions by the Federal Government.
“It is also in furtherance of the commitment of the state government to meet its statutory obligation even before the end of the month.”
The commissioner urged Edo workers to be committed to their duties, while contributing effectively to ensuring the governor’s administration ends on a good note.
He added that they should reciprocate the gesture by the state government to their welfare.