Edo State’s Governor Monday Okpebholo has announced the increase of the minimum wage for workers from N70,000 to N75,000.
The amount is N5,000 higher than Nigeria’s approved national minimum wage of N70,000.
Speaking during the May Day rally held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin, Okpebholo said the higher rate was aimed at improving workers’ standard of living.
While appreciating Edo workers’ contributions to the state’s development, the Governor said his administration would always explore all means to improve the welfare of Edo workers.
He said: “Today, I am proud to announce that our administration has approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 per month for all Edo workers.
“It’s our way of saying thank you, Edo workers. We believe this makes a real difference, and we count on your dedication to a better Edo.
“Since taking office, my administration has prioritised workers’ welfare.
” One early action was converting over 1,000 casual workers, including cleaners, into permanent civil service employees.”
According to Okpebholo, the administration had hired 500 fresh teachers, while reviewing over 3,000 casual teachers for full employment.
“We also approved recruitment of 450 clinical and non-clinical hospital staff and regularised 126 contract workers at Edo State Specialist Hospital for stability and growth,” he added.
The Governor also disclosed that his administration had cleared outstanding salary arrears owed to Edo Polytechnic staff.
“In the judiciary, judges whose appointments were delayed have been properly sworn in and are now actively performing their constitutional duties without further administrative hindrances. To prove our commitment, we approved health insurance for retirees because we believe support must continue after workers leave active service,” the governor said.
Okpebholo reiterated his administration’s dedication to prompt salary and pension payments, structured recruitment, workers’ welfare and professional development
Acting NLC Chairman, Edo chapter, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide, praised Governor Okpebholo for laudable policies that ease the hardship experienced by workers and pensioners across the state.
