By Ghazali Ibrahim 
In a bold move that has positioned Edo State ahead of the curve, Governor Monday Okpebholo on Thursday, May 1, announced an increase in the state’s minimum wage to N75,000, surpassing the recently proposed ₦70,000 by the Federal Government.
The announcement, made during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, drew thunderous applause from labour leaders and civil servants.
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing workers’ welfare despite Nigeria’s harsh economic climate.
“Today, I am proud to announce that our administration has approved a new minimum wage of ₦75,000 per month for Edo workers. It’s our way of saying thank you,” Okpebholo declared in his May Day address.
“We believe this will make a real difference, and in return, we count on your renewed dedication as we build a better Edo together.”
The governor’s gesture comes as a significant morale booster for workers battling rising inflation and economic hardship.
It also places Edo at the forefront of labour-friendly states, especially as the national debate on living wage continues to intensify.
In contrast to the Federal Government’s N70,000 benchmark, Okpebholo’s move is being viewed by observers as a signal of both political will and fiscal confidence.
He listed numerous other efforts his administration has made to improve the lives of workers, including converting over 1,000 casual workers into permanent staff, hiring 500 new teachers, and recruiting hundreds of health workers across state hospitals.
“Since assuming office, we’ve been focused on restoring dignity to public service jobs,” he said.
He highlighted other achievements such as regularising 126 contract staff at the Edo Specialist Hospital and clearing salary arrears owed to polytechnic staff.
In response, acting Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Edo State, Comrade Bernard Egwekhide, lauded the governor’s reforms and described his short time in office as “beyond expectations.”
“Within six months, Governor Okpebholo has proven that he is a friend of the workers. The raise in minimum wage is just the latest evidence,” Egwekhide said.
The theme of this year’s May Day, “Reclaiming the Civil Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” served as a reminder of the mounting pressures facing Nigerian workers.
However, for Edo State’s civil servants, Okpebholo’s announcement offered a rare glimpse of relief and renewed hope.
