Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has declared a new minimum wage of N70,000 for civil servants in the state. This is a 133 percent increase on the current national minimum wage of N30,000.

The announcement was made during the inauguration of the Labour House, which has been named after Adams Oshiomhole, the Senator representing Edo North and former governor of the state.

Effective from May 1, 2024, the new minimum wage regime aims to alleviate the financial burden on workers. This decision follows the persistent advocacy by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for improved wages nationwide.

The economic challenges exacerbated by recent economic policies of the federal government, including the removal of petrol subsidy and forex unification in 2023, have heightened the need for enhanced wages. Despite the national minimum wage being set at N30,000 since April 18, 2019, it has been widely criticized as insufficient in light of current economic realities.

Obaseki's initiative to raise the minimum wage in Edo State signifies a proactive step towards addressing the financial well-being of civil servants.