Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki, has taken a bold step by increasing the minimum wage for workers in the state to N70,000, the highest in Nigeria. This move is a significant departure from the federal government’s minimum wage of N30,000, which has been in place since 2019.
According to Governor Obaseki, the decision to increase the minimum wage was made to ensure that workers in the state earn a living wage that reflects the current economic realities. He stated that the new minimum wage is aimed at improving the standard of living for workers and their families, as well as stimulating economic growth in the state.
The governor made the announcement during a meeting with labor leaders in Benin City, the state capital. He noted that the increase would affect all workers in the state, including those in the public and private sectors.
“This administration is committed to ensuring that our workers are adequately compensated for their hard work and dedication,” Obaseki said. “We believe that this new minimum wage will not only improve the standard of living for our workers but also stimulate economic growth in the state.”
The increase has been welcomed by labor leaders in the state, who have been advocating for a higher minimum wage for years. The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State, Comrade Sunny Osayande, praised the governor for taking the bold step, saying it would go a long way in improving the lives of workers in the state.
“We commend Governor Obaseki for this bold step,” Osayande said. “This increase is long overdue, and we believe it will have a positive impact on the lives of workers in the state.”
The increase in the minimum wage is expected to take effect from May 1, 2024, and will be implemented across all sectors in the state.
With this increase, Edo State has become the first state in Nigeria to implement a minimum wage of N70,000, setting a new standard for other states to follow. The move is seen as a significant step towards improving the standard of living for workers in the state and stimulating economic growth.