The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has announced an increase in the minimum wage for workers in the state from N40,000 to N70,000, effective from May 1, 2024.
This announcement was made during his address at the inauguration of the Edo State Labour House Complex, a newly constructed building that will serve as the headquarters for the Labour Unions in the state. The edifice, located at Temboga, Ikpoba Hill in Benin City, is named in honor of former Governor of the State and ex-NLC President, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.
The governor said, “As a result of the cordial relationship between the Edo State Government and labour unions in the State, we have enjoyed peace and industrial harmony in Edo State. Despite our efforts to make life better for Edo State workers, there are forces beyond our control, as we don’t control the national economy as our workers are still languishing in pain and penury.
He went on, “We don’t know when that will happen. If it happens, fine and if not, as a State we would need to do what we need to do. For us in Edo State, we have decided to move the minimum wage from N40,000 to N70,000 effective from 1st of May 2024. I think like a capitalist and not a comrade. In my May Day speech, I will give more details on our new minimum wage. If the Federal Government imposes something higher, we would make the necessary adjustments.”
Obaseki further stated, “This building was conceived by my predecessor in office and my contribution is to make it happen. We have continued to invest in our workers in Edo State and our achievement in Edo State is to contribute to the welfare and well-being of Edo State workers. We not only developed the work environment but also placed emphasis on building the capacity of Edo State workers. We continue to emphasize training and restraining as an integral part of our workforce, as we believe that there is a connection between high performance and training.”
In his address, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, the Head of Service for Edo State, expressed his admiration for the governor’s dedication to the well-being of the state’s workforce. He highlighted several accomplishments, such as the complete digital transformation of the state’s civil service, the timely disbursement of salaries, the implementation of the highest minimum wage in the country, the provision of a 13th-month salary, life insurance coverage for Edo workers, health insurance benefits, the automatic hiring of first-class graduates from Edo State, and the regular promotion of Edo workers. These initiatives, he noted, are a testament to the governor’s commitment to improving the lives of workers in the state.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) President, Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, lauded the structure, describing it as the finest labor edifice. He further added, “the achievements of the governor are not contestable.” His statement underscores the undeniable accomplishments of the governor.
He further expressed his gratitude, stating, “I thank you for bringing the labour workforce in Edo State into the digital age. Your developmental accomplishments, which have significantly alleviated the hardships of workers in Edo State, are truly impressive.” His words highlight the transformative impact of digitization on the labor force and the commendable progress made in the state.
The Governor’s generosity, friendliness, and concern for Edo workers were expressed by NLC Edo State Chairman Comrade Odion Olaye in his welcome speech. “I thank the Governor for this edifice for the organized labor as workers in Edo State have long been waiting for a day like this as the house has been desired for over 25 years,” Comrade Olaye said.
The event was graced by several dignitaries, including Edo State Deputy Governor Engr. Marvellous Godwins Omoboyo; Speaker Edo State House of Assembly (EDHA), Rt. Hon. Blessing Agbebaku; Secretary to State Government (SSG) and PDP Deputy Governorship Candidate, Osarodion Ogie Esq.; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Osaigbovo Iyoha; Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Anthony Okungbowa, and Edo PDP Chairman, Anthony Aziegbemi, among others.
