“Governor Okpebholo Raises Edo Minimum Wage to ₦75,000, Pledges Deeper Commitment to Workers’ Welfare”

 Edo Governor Champions Labour with New Minimum Wage Hike

In a bold move aimed at improving the lives of workers and enhancing the overall quality of service delivery in the public sector, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced an increase in the minimum wage for workers in the state from ₦70,000 to ₦75,000. This announcement was made during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City on Thursday, May 1.

Addressing a large crowd of enthusiastic civil servants, labour union leaders, and top government functionaries, Governor Okpebholo praised the steadfastness, resilience, and hard work of Edo workers. He described them as the backbone of the state’s development and reiterated his administration’s unwavering commitment to prioritising their welfare.

Nigeria’s Student Loan Disbursement” ₦71.2 Billion Unaccounted For, ICPC

“Today, I am proud to announce that our administration has approved a new minimum wage of ₦75,000 per month for Edo workers. It’s our way of saying thank you to Edo workers. We believe this will make a real difference,” the governor declared to thunderous applause from attendees.

The new wage increase, coming just six months into Governor Okpebholo’s tenure, positions Edo State as one of the most labour-friendly states in the country and underscores the administration’s resolve to tackle economic hardship head-on.

A Milestone in Worker-Friendly Governance

Governor Okpebholo’s May Day address did more than just unveil a new wage structure—it painted a compelling picture of a government actively transforming the working landscape in Edo State. The governor enumerated numerous policy actions taken since he assumed office, all aimed at fortifying the state’s workforce across key sectors including education, healthcare, and civil service reform.

He revealed that his administration had taken steps to convert over 1,000 casual workers—including cleaners who previously operated without job security—into full civil service staff, granting them long-desired job stability. This, he noted, was not just an administrative formality but a human commitment to recognizing the contributions of overlooked workers.

Additionally, 500 new teachers were recruited to relieve pressure in overcrowded classrooms and to enhance the quality of education delivery. The government is also reviewing the status of over 3,000 teachers with casual appointments for possible absorption into the full-time workforce.

On the healthcare front, the governor announced the hiring of 450 clinical and non-clinical staff to strengthen the state’s hospital system, along with the regularisation of 126 contract staff at the Edo State Specialist Hospital.

“These steps not only strengthen our health system but also improve job stability for health professionals,” Okpebholo said, emphasizing that investment in human capital remains a key development strategy for his administration.

From Salaries to Retirement: A Comprehensive Welfare Agenda

The governor also addressed past lapses in employee compensation and revealed that his administration had successfully cleared outstanding salary arrears owed to staff of the Edo State Polytechnic. Furthermore, he reaffirmed his commitment to the timely and consistent payment of salaries and pensions, viewing them not as privileges but as essential entitlements for workers and retirees alike.

In a gesture rarely seen in state governance, Governor Okpebholo announced the approval of health insurance coverage for retirees, further demonstrating his administration’s understanding that welfare must extend beyond an individual’s years of active service.

“In the judiciary, we ensured that judges whose appointments were delayed were properly sworn in and are now fully carrying out their duties,” he added, highlighting the government’s respect for judicial independence and institutional integrity.

Labour Commends Governor’s Performance

Reacting to the governor’s address, the acting Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Edo State chapter, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide, commended the governor for implementing policies that have had a direct and positive impact on the lives of workers. He applauded the administration’s people-centric approach and described the governor’s first six months in office as “excellent and beyond expectations.”

“The theme of this year’s celebration, ‘Reclaiming the Civil Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship’, reflects the challenges many workers are facing,” Egwekhide stated. “But under Governor Okpebholo, we feel seen and supported. He has proven that governance can be compassionate, responsive, and effective.”

He also called for continued collaboration between the state government and labour unions to ensure that policy implementations remain inclusive and transparent, especially in this period of economic uncertainty.

Dignitaries and Celebratory Atmosphere

The May Day event was marked by a celebratory and optimistic atmosphere, as workers danced, cheered, and waved placards of appreciation. Dignitaries in attendance included the Deputy Governor of Edo State, 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; and former Deputy Governor, Comrade Philip Shaibu.

Also present were APC State Chairman Jaret Tenebe, several labour leaders, and representatives from all sectors of the Edo State civil service.

The event served as both a celebration of workers’ resilience and a showcase of the administration’s labour-first approach to governance.

 A Renewed Hope for Edo Workers

With a significant wage increase, sweeping reforms across critical sectors, and a strong emphasis on job security and post-retirement welfare, Governor Okpebholo has set a new standard for worker-focused governance in Nigeria.

His administration’s swift actions within its first half-year in office demonstrate a proactive understanding of the challenges facing workers and the importance of tangible support in times of economic difficulty.

As Edo State marches forward under this renewed spirit of empowerment and inclusion, workers across the state—and indeed the country—are watching with cautious optimism, hopeful that this model of governance will inspire broader national reforms.