In a bid to improve the living standards of civil servants in Edo State, Governor Godwin Obaseki has declared a new minimum wage of N70,000.
The announcement was made on Monday during the inauguration of the Labour House.
The Labour House, which symbolises the significance of labour movements in the state, was 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 is set to positively impact the livelihoods of workers in the state.
Governor Obaseki’s decision comes amid nationwide agitation by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for increased wages, following economic reforms initiated by the administration of President Bola Tinubu.
The removal of petrol subsidy and the unification of forex windows in 2023 triggered food inflation and a surge in the prices of essential goods and services, further fueling the demand for higher wages.
Since April 18, 2019, the national minimum wage has remained at N30,000, a figure widely criticised as insufficient to meet the basic needs of workers amidst prevailing economic challenges.
Chioma Kalu
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