Edo Governor Okpebholo Raises Minimum Wage to N75,000 and Launches Worker-Centric Reforms
BENIN CITY, Nigeria – May 1, 2025
Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has announced a N75,000 minimum wage for state workers, up from N70,000, alongside sweeping reforms to address job insecurity, healthcare staffing shortages, and pensioner welfare. The announcement, made during his Workers’ Day address at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, positions Edo among Nigeria’s highest-paying states and reflects the governor’s focus on improving living standards amid economic hardship.
Key Reforms and Initiatives
- Minimum Wage Increase:
- N75,000 monthly wage effective immediately, described as a “thank-you” to workers for their resilience.
- Edo now joins states like Lagos in offering competitive wages to cushion inflation and rising living costs.
- Casual Worker Regularization:
- 1,000+ cleaners converted from casual to permanent civil servants, ending years of job insecurity.
- 3,000+ EdoSTAR teachers under review for full employment to address classroom shortages.
- Healthcare Sector Boost:
- 450 clinical/non-clinical staff recruited for state hospitals.
- 126 contract workers at Edo State Specialist Hospital regularized to ensure job stability.
- Judiciary and Education:
- Delayed judicial appointments finalized, ensuring seamless court operations.
- 500 new teachers hired to ease classroom pressure.
- Pensioner Support:
- Health insurance coverage approved for retirees, extending welfare beyond active service.
- Salary arrears cleared for Edo Polytechnic staff.
Labour Reactions and Economic Context
- NLC Praise: Acting NLC Chairman Bernard Egwekhide commended Okpebholo’s “exceptional” performance, noting interventions “restored dignity” to workers.
- National Hardship: The wage hike comes amid nationwide strikes over stagnant wages, with Edo’s move seen as a benchmark for other states.
- Theme Alignment: Workers’ Day focused on “Reclaiming the Civil Space Amid Economic Hardship”, reflecting labour’s push for better conditions.
Governor’s Commitment and Future Plans
Okpebholo pledged:
- Timely salary/pension payments without delays.
- Continuous recruitment to strengthen public services.
- Professional development programs for workers
