In 2025, Edo State set a new benchmark in Nigeria by approving a minimum wage of ₦75,000 for all civil servants. This move, announced by Governor Monday Okpebholo, was met with widespread approval and celebration across the state. It is a direct response to the rising cost of living, inflation, and the demand by workers for a fairer compensation system.
In this blog post, we will dive into the details of the minimum wage update in Edo State, how it compares to other states, its economic implications, reactions from stakeholders, and the additional steps the government is taking to improve the lives of workers.
Background to the Minimum Wage Increase
Before this latest adjustment, the minimum wage in Edo State had been raised to ₦70,000 in April 2024 under the administration of former Governor Godwin Obaseki. This earlier increase already placed Edo among the highest-paying states for civil servants in Nigeria. However, due to the continued rise in inflation, food prices, and transportation costs, the new administration saw the need to make an additional increment.
During the 2025 May Day celebration at Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo officially declared the increase in the minimum wage to ₦75,000, effective immediately. This announcement was part of a broader workers’ welfare agenda that signals the administration's dedication to fairness, progress, and economic justice.
Why the Increase Was Necessary
The Nigerian economy, like many across the globe, has faced significant challenges over the past few years. Inflation, rising costs of fuel, and the depreciation of the naira have contributed to declining purchasing power for the average worker. In response, labor unions have mounted pressure on state governments to adjust wages in line with economic realities.
Edo State’s new minimum wage addresses these issues directly by ensuring that civil servants can afford basic necessities such as food, healthcare, education, and transportation. Moreover, it aligns with the national push for improved worker compensation following the federal government’s declaration of ₦70,000 as the new national minimum wage.
Scope and Beneficiaries
The ₦75,000 minimum wage applies to all junior-level civil servants within the state’s civil service structure. This includes workers in ministries, departments, agencies, and parastatals. Beyond just salary increases, the new policy also aims to regularize the status of casual workers, provide better working conditions, and boost morale across the civil service workforce.
Governor Okpebholo made it clear that the salary increase was not just a political gesture but a policy backed by the state’s economic resources and planning. “This is a token of appreciation to the hardworking staff who have kept the wheels of Edo State moving. We will continue to stand by our workers,” he declared.
Additional Government Interventions for Workers
Beyond the salary review, the Edo State government introduced several complementary measures aimed at improving the welfare of civil servants. These include:
1. Regularization of Casual Workers
The government has confirmed the regularization of over 1,000 casual workers, including cleaners, security personnel, and other support staff. This means these workers now enjoy the full benefits of permanent employment, including pensions, health insurance, and paid leave.
2. Recruitment in the Education Sector
To tackle the shortage of qualified educators, the state has recruited over 500 new teachers. Additionally, 3,000 contract and casual teaching staff are being considered for permanent roles under the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and Post Primary Education Board (PPEB).
3. Expansion of the Health Sector Workforce
In response to the pressing need for better healthcare services, the state has approved the hiring of 450 clinical and non-clinical staff across public hospitals. This is in addition to regularizing 126 contract workers at the Edo State Specialist Hospital.
4. Judicial Appointments and Reforms
The state has also resolved administrative bottlenecks that previously delayed the appointment of new judges. This reform aims to strengthen the state’s justice system and ensure quicker access to justice for citizens.
5. Inclusion of Retirees in Health Insurance
Recognizing the sacrifices of former civil servants, the government has now extended the state health insurance scheme to retirees. This decision ensures they can access medical care without financial hardship.
Economic Implications of the New Minimum Wage
An increase in minimum wage often brings both positive and negative ripple effects. On the one hand, it boosts consumer purchasing power, stimulates local economic activity, and reduces poverty. On the other, if not managed well, it can lead to inflation or budget deficits.
However, Governor Okpebholo assured the public that the state had conducted thorough financial planning before implementing the new wage. According to him, the state’s improved internally generated revenue (IGR) and strategic budget allocations make the increase sustainable without jeopardizing other development projects.
The Edo State government has also put mechanisms in place to prevent wage-induced inflation, such as regulating food prices, improving transportation infrastructure, and boosting local production through investments in agriculture and small businesses.
Reactions from Labor Unions and the Public
The announcement was met with great enthusiasm from organized labor groups. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) both lauded the move as a model for other Nigerian states.
Comrade Odion Olaye, the Edo NLC chairman, expressed appreciation for the proactive leadership of Governor Okpebholo, calling the new wage “a landmark achievement in worker welfare history in Nigeria.” Workers at the May Day event sang songs of joy, danced, and expressed optimism for the future.
The public also reacted positively, with many Edo residents praising the state government for prioritizing the welfare of workers. Social media platforms buzzed with commendations and calls for other state governors to emulate Edo State's example.
Challenges and the Way Forward
While the new minimum wage is commendable, it comes with the challenge of consistent implementation and financial discipline. The government must ensure prompt salary payments and avoid wage arrears, which can erode the morale and trust of the workforce.
Another concern is whether the new wage scale will be extended to local government workers, as disparities in payment structures often lead to agitation and industrial actions. Governor Okpebholo has pledged to engage with local government authorities to ensure uniform wage structures across the state.
Furthermore, the government must strengthen the productivity of civil servants to match the new wage. This includes training programs, digital transformation of public services, and robust performance evaluation systems.
Conclusion
The increase in Edo State’s minimum wage to ₦75,000 in 2025 is a historic and commendable move that reflects a government that listens and responds to the needs of its people. It not only puts more money in workers’ hands but also shows the potential of a state that aligns governance with economic justice.
This bold step by Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration has set a new benchmark for civil service reform in Nigeria, and it will remain a reference point in the national dialogue on wage policies.
Edo State civil servants, buoyed by this development, can now look forward to a future of improved living standards, better working conditions, and renewed hope in public service.
