Edo Workers Extol  Obaseki Over New Minimum Wage

Citing the economic situation in the country, followed by untold hardship, the Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, on Monday, raised the minimum wage for workers in the state from N40,000 to N70,000.

Obaseki announced this at the inauguration of the newly-built ultramodern Labour House Secretariat Complex, named after a former governor of the state and ex-President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Adams Oshiomhole  on Temboga Road, Ikpoba-Hill, Benin City.

Speaking at the event, Governor Obaseki said, “For us in Edo State, we have decided to move the minimum wage from N40,000 to N70,000 effective from May 1, 2024.”

The announcement immediately was greeted with a lot of excitement among workers.

Chairman of the Edo State chapter of the NLC, Odion Olaye, commended the governor for being workers-friendly since he assumed office.

“I commend the governor for increasing the minimum wage from N40,000 to N70,000 and this will help the workers a great deal. The increment is coming at a time when the Federal Government is yet to approve a new minimum wage.

Earlier, Obaseki lauded the labour union for the cordial relationship that they maintained with the state government, adding that he enjoyed industrial harmony in the state.

“I give you insurance, improved conditions of service, pay you and promote you on time but the truth is that because of the economic situation in Nigeria today, our workers continue to be challenged by devaluation, high food prices and inflation which have made nonsense of the N40,000 we are paying you.

“As a government, we feel your pains and know your take-home pay can barely take you home. We will continue to try. I am one of those governors who believe that we can’t run away from the fact that we must adjust the minimum wage in Nigeria.

The governor said he could not preempt the outcome of the labour union negotiation with the Federal Government over the minimum wage but assured that the state would adjust, if necessary.