In honour of Workers’ Day, Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has unveiled a new minimum wage of ₦75,000, signaling a firm commitment to improving the welfare of state employees.
Addressing a crowd of workers during the May Day celebration in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo described the increase from the previous ₦70,000 benchmark as a meaningful step towards better living conditions for civil servants. “This adjustment is a token of our gratitude and a move that we are confident will enhance the quality of life for our workforce,” he stated.
The governor also outlined a series of workforce-centered reforms carried out since taking office. Among them are the integration of more than 1,000 casual cleaning staff into the core civil service, the employment of 500 new educators to ease pressure in public schools, and the evaluation of over 3,000 contract teaching roles for potential conversion to permanent positions.
In the healthcare sector, Okpebholo revealed the hiring of 450 professionals across various disciplines and confirmed the formal absorption of 126 contract workers at the state’s specialist hospital.
He reaffirmed his government’s resolve to ensure prompt disbursement of salaries and pensions.
Reacting to the announcement, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide, interim chairman of the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), applauded the administration’s efforts. He described the policies as impactful and timely, especially in light of the economic pressures faced by workers and retirees in the state.
