The government of Edo State government has put smiles on the face of its workers with the commencement of a new minimum wage of ₦70,000.
This new minimum wage shows a significant increase from the previous ₦40,000.
Furthermore, many say it is a challenge to the Federal Government, who is proposing a ₦54,000 minimum wage for workers.
Indeed, seeing is believing.
You see, when Governor Godwin Obaseki announced the wage increase on April 29, 2024, many Nigerians did not believe him.
Let us not be in a hurry to blame these persons, because Nigerian politicians are not well-known as keepers of promises.
But for Obaseki, this was not just one of those talks.
In fact, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State, Odion Olaye, confirmed the implementation of the new wage.
Keeping The Promise
Olaye lauded the state government for keeping its promise to the workforce.
Governor Godwin Obaseki announced the wage increase during the inauguration of the Labour House.
This move was a response to the harsh economic conditions exacerbated by the federal government’s removal of the fuel subsidy and other economic measures.
Speaking to journalists in the state, Olaye expressed his appreciation for the governor’s commitment to worker welfare.
The New Minimum Wage
“I can confirm to you that the salary increase has been effected and workers are now earning ₦70,000 as minimum wage. I commend the governor for this,” he said.
He also encouraged the state’s employees to respond to the government’s gesture by intensifying their efforts to enhance its economic prosperity.
“I will also urge the workers who are wealth creators to reciprocate the kind gesture of the governor and redouble their efforts towards making the state great,” added Olaye.
Speaking further on the implementation of the new minimum wage was the Commissioner for communication and orientation, Chris Nehikhare.
Financial Burden
Nehikhare noted that the May salaries reflect the updated wage scale.
“The Edo State government has paid the May salaries of workers in the state, reflecting the implementation of the ₦70,000 new minimum wage,” Nehikhare stated.
He emphasized that this adjustment is part of the Obaseki administration’s broader effort to alleviate the financial burden on workers due to recent national economic policies.
“This is in fulfilment of the promise made by Governor Godwin Obaseki to increase the minimum wage from ₦40,000 to ₦70,000, beginning this May, as part of efforts to cushion the impacts of the harsh economy occasioned by fuel subsidy removal and other economic decisions by the Federal Government,” Nehikhare explained.
