Jubilation As Government Increases Minimum Wage To N70,000

Workers jubilate as government increases minimum wage to N70,000, sparking jubilation across various sectors.

The decision marks a significant milestone in the ongoing efforts to improve the welfare of employees nationwide.

In a significant development for public sector workers in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki has announced an increase in the minimum wage from N40,000 to N70,000, set to take effect from May 1, 2024.

VerseNews reports that the announcement was made during the inauguration of the new Labour House, a state-of-the-art secretariat for labor unions located on Temboga Road, Ikpoba-Hill, Benin City.

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 and our workers are still languishing in pain and penury.

“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 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. It would have been nice for there to be a central cohesive and common approach. We would have expected that by now there should have been a direction as to what minimum wage will be for workers in Nigeria.”

He added, “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.”

This Online News Platform learnt that the newly inaugurated building, named in honor of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, a former Governor and former NLC President, marks a deep commitment by the state government to enhance the working conditions of its employees.

The governor highlighted the ongoing economic challenges faced by workers, including devaluation and inflation, which have diminished the purchasing power of the existing wage.

Governor Obaseki expressed that the wage increase is a proactive measure by the state, independent of the federal government’s stance, which remains uncertain. He emphasized the importance of adjusting wages to meet economic realities and assured that if the federal government sets a higher minimum wage, Edo State would comply accordingly.

The inauguration event was also an occasion for the Edo State government to showcase its dedication to labor relations, with Governor Obaseki noting the harmonious partnership with labor unions that has fostered peaceful industrial relations and supported institutional reforms in the state.

The governor’s commitment extends beyond wage adjustments to include significant investments in worker welfare and training, aiming to build a more efficient and motivated workforce.

The event saw participation from various labor leaders, including the Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, and the President of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo, who both praised the governor’s efforts in transforming the labor landscape in Edo State.

The Chairman of NLC Edo State, Comrade Odion Olaye, also commended the governor for his dedication to improving the lives of workers, acknowledging the new Labour House as a long-awaited and much-needed facility for organized labor in the state.