Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has introduced a significant change to the minimum wage for civil servants, aiming to alleviate financial strains faced by workers. The announcement came during the inauguration of the Labour House, an event held on Monday.
In a move to address the needs of civil servants, Governor Obaseki declared a new minimum wage of N70,000. He emphasized the importance of this adjustment, stating, “The new minimum wage regime in Edo will take effect from May 1, 2024.” This decision marks a notable increase from the previous wage structure.
Adding a symbolic touch to the occasion, Governor Obaseki named the Labour House after Adams Oshiomhole, the Senator representing Edo North and former governor of the state. This gesture honors Oshiomhole’s contributions to labor and governance in the region.
The announcement follows persistent calls from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for improved wages to address the economic challenges faced by workers. The recent economic reforms, including the removal of petrol subsidies and the unification of forex windows, have exacerbated financial burdens on citizens, leading to food inflation and rising prices of essential goods and services.
While the national minimum wage has remained stagnant at N30,000 since April 2019, Governor Obaseki’s decision reflects a proactive approach to address the growing concerns over insufficient wages. The current minimum wage has been widely criticized as “grossly inadequate” and a “poverty wage” in light of the prevailing economic hardships experienced by many.