Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has increased the state’s minimum wage from N70,000 to N75,000 in a major policy shift aimed at easing the economic burden on workers and enhancing public service productivity. The announcement was made during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City.
Addressing a crowd of jubilant workers, union leaders, and dignitaries, Governor Okpebholo said the wage increase was a token of appreciation for the dedication and resilience of Edo workers, who continue to drive development in the face of economic adversity.
“Today, I am proud to announce that our administration has approved a new minimum wage of N75,000 per month for Edo workers,” Okpebholo declared. “This is our way of saying thank you. We believe this will make a real difference, and in return, we count on your renewed dedication as we build a better Edo together.”
Governor Okpebholo highlighted a string of pro-worker reforms since assuming office. These include the regularisation of over 1,000 casual workers into the state civil service, the recruitment of 500 new teachers to address shortages in public schools, and the ongoing review of employment status for more than 3,000 casual teachers for possible absorption into full-time service.
In the health sector, the government approved the recruitment of 450 clinical and non-clinical staff to strengthen healthcare delivery and secured permanent appointments for 126 contract staff at the Edo State Specialist Hospital.
“Our actions are deliberate,” Okpebholo said. “They are aimed at building a secure, motivated workforce capable of delivering quality services to the people of Edo.”
The governor also revealed that his administration had cleared salary arrears owed to staff at Edo State Polytechnic and ensured the swearing-in of long-delayed judicial appointees.
Demonstrating further commitment to retired workers, he announced the extension of health insurance coverage to pensioners in the state.
Speaking at the event, acting Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State chapter, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide, commended Governor Okpebholo for implementing policies that have significantly improved workers’ welfare in a short span.
“Just within six months in office, you have done excellently well for Edo State. Your performance is beyond our expectations as workers,” Egwekhide said.
He praised the administration for prioritising civil rights and supporting the 2025 Workers’ Day theme, “Reclaiming the Civil Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship.”
According to him, the new minimum wage and ongoing employment reforms are timely interventions given the harsh economic realities faced by Nigerian workers.
Edo State’s new minimum wage surpasses the federal minimum wage and sets a potential benchmark for other state governments grappling with rising inflation, high unemployment, and public sector dissatisfaction. Okpebholo’s move could also inspire a wave of labour agitation in states where wages remain stagnant.
As workers across Nigeria mark May Day amid economic challenges and calls for wage reform, Governor Monday Okpebholo’s decisive move to raise the minimum wage and reform civil service conditions positions Edo as a leading state in labour-friendly governance.
His promise to continue placing workers’ welfare at the heart of governance may not only enhance productivity but also set a political precedent for accountability and people-oriented leadership.