In a major boost to workers’ welfare, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has announced an increase in the minimum wage for workers in the State from N70,000 to N75,000.
Governor Okpebholo made the announcement during the 2025 May Day celebration held at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City. He emphasized that the wage increase is part of his administration’s unwavering commitment to improving the living standards of Edo workers.
“Today, I am proud to announce that our administration has approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 per month for Edo workers. It’s our way of saying thank you. We believe this will make a real difference,” the governor declared.
Highlighting several reforms since assuming office, Governor Okpebholo recalled how over 1,000 casual workers, including cleaners, were converted to full civil service positions to ensure job security. He also noted the recruitment of 500 new teachers and the review of employment conditions for over 3,000 others in the education sector.
In the health sector, he announced the recruitment of 450 clinical and non-clinical staff as well as the regularization of 126 contract staff at the Edo State Specialist Hospital.
“We have also cleared outstanding salary arrears owed to Edo State Polytechnic staff and ensured long-overdue appointments in the judiciary were effected,” he said, adding that his administration has approved health insurance coverage for retirees as part of its broader welfare agenda.
Acting Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State chapter, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide, lauded the governor’s swift reforms and people-centered policies, describing his performance in just six months as “beyond expectations.”
Egwekhide also praised the theme of this year’s celebration, “Reclaiming the Civil Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” noting its relevance to the current realities faced by Nigerian workers.
Dignitaries at the event 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; former Deputy Governor Comrade Phillip Shaibu; APC State Chairman, Jaret Tenebe; party leaders, labour leaders, and Edo workers.
