In 2025, the minimum wage for civil servants in Benue State has been set at ₦75,000 per month. This development is not only significant in the history of workers' welfare in the state but also demonstrates a major policy shift from previous administrations. The decision, approved and implemented under the leadership of Governor Hyacinth Alia, is seen as a proactive response to the growing demands of workers amid rising inflation and the increasing cost of living in Nigeria.
This blog post explores the background behind the wage increase, the financial mechanisms being employed to sustain it, the challenges of salary arrears, ongoing pension reforms, and the long-term vision for workforce development in Benue State. Let’s delve deep into how Benue State is handling its new wage policy in 2025.
The ₦75,000 Minimum Wage: A Milestone for Benue State Workers
Prior to this policy change, the national minimum wage in Nigeria stood at ₦30,000—a figure that had long been criticized by workers’ unions as inadequate for meeting basic living standards. In 2024, the Nigerian Senate approved an upward review of the national minimum wage to ₦70,000. However, many states were still grappling with the challenges of implementing even the old ₦30,000 wage, much less the updated national benchmark.
In a bold move, Governor Hyacinth Alia announced in late 2024 that Benue State would not only implement the ₦70,000 minimum wage but raise it even higher to ₦75,000 for all civil servants. This decision came after intense deliberations and negotiations with labor unions such as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). The governor's rationale was simple: to provide a living wage that reflects the economic reality of the time and to improve morale and productivity in the public sector.
Why the Wage Increase Was Necessary
For many years, civil servants in Benue State had faced economic hardship due to delayed salaries, underpayment, and in some cases, non-payment of wages. Inflation, rising fuel costs, and food price hikes had made it increasingly difficult for workers to survive on the former minimum wage of ₦30,000. This reality placed unbearable financial pressure on families and impacted the efficiency of service delivery within the public sector.
Labor unions consistently called on the government to review wages to match the cost of living. The ₦75,000 wage structure therefore came as a breath of fresh air to civil servants, giving them renewed hope and financial stability. Workers across the state have since expressed optimism that this new wage will not only improve their quality of life but also help them to better support their families, invest in education, and contribute positively to the local economy.
Revenue Strategies for Sustaining the New Wage
One of the immediate questions raised following the announcement was: how will Benue State sustain the ₦75,000 monthly minimum wage for its civil servants? According to the state government, the answer lies in aggressive revenue generation and smart fiscal planning.
Prior to this policy change, Benue State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) hovered around ₦600 million to ₦700 million monthly. However, Governor Alia’s administration successfully increased this figure to ₦2 billion within one year. This was achieved through a variety of reforms aimed at blocking revenue leakages and boosting tax collection without introducing new taxes.
The state’s long-term goal is to push the IGR beyond ₦3 billion monthly. With this level of income, the government believes it can comfortably cover salaries, pensions, and other operational costs without relying heavily on federal allocations. A key part of this strategy includes using technology and data analytics to monitor tax compliance, identify defaulters, and streamline revenue collection processes.
Salary Arrears and the Path to Settlement
In addition to implementing a new wage structure, the government also pledged to clear the backlog of salary arrears owed to civil servants. Upon assumption of office, Governor Alia inherited several months of unpaid wages dating back to previous administrations.
In 2024, he approved the payment of three months of these arrears. By early 2025, the administration had announced plans to pay off five more months of unpaid salaries, especially for core civil servants who had not received full compensation since as far back as 2017.
The government’s commitment to clearing these arrears is a step toward restoring trust in public institutions. It also boosts the morale of civil servants, many of whom had been demotivated due to the prolonged neglect of their financial welfare. These payments are being rolled out in phases, depending on revenue performance and verification of claims.
Pension Reforms and Retiree Welfare
Alongside wage and salary reforms, the Benue State Government has launched an initiative to address long-standing issues affecting pensioners. Pension delays, inconsistent payments, and lack of a centralized record system have been recurring problems.
In response, the administration has started overhauling the pension payment system. New software and digital platforms are being introduced to automate records and ensure timely monthly disbursements. Training is being provided for government staff in handling pension databases and assisting retirees in navigating the new systems.
This comprehensive reform is designed not only to ensure that retirees get their pensions on time but also to reduce fraud, eliminate ghost pensioners, and cut administrative costs. Pensioners, just like active civil servants, are now more hopeful that the government is genuinely committed to their welfare.
Human Capital Development and Training Initiatives
Another remarkable aspect of the current administration’s labor reform strategy is its focus on workforce training and development. In 2025, the state formally launched the Benue State Public Service Institute—a state-funded center aimed at enhancing the professional capacity of civil servants.
The institute offers courses on e-governance, public administration, financial management, and digital literacy. With over 40,000 workers targeted for training, this initiative seeks to modernize public service delivery and make government operations more transparent and efficient.
In addition to technical training, the institute offers postgraduate diploma programs in collaboration with Nigerian universities. This opens a pathway for civil servants to advance academically while continuing to serve the state.
The Road Ahead: Challenges and Prospects
While the introduction of a ₦75,000 minimum wage is a commendable milestone, challenges remain. The sustainability of this policy will depend heavily on consistent revenue growth, macroeconomic stability, and accountability in public spending. Any shortfall in revenue or mismanagement of funds could derail the initiative.
Moreover, there’s a need for transparency in wage disbursement, regular staff audits to weed out ghost workers, and periodic wage reviews in line with inflation. Nevertheless, Governor Alia's administration has set a positive precedent that other Nigerian states may look to follow.
The state government’s willingness to engage labor unions, reform internal systems, and invest in capacity building is a step in the right direction. If these efforts are sustained, Benue State could emerge as a model for public sector reform in Nigeria.
Final Thoughts
The implementation of a ₦75,000 minimum wage for civil servants in Benue State in 2025 reflects a progressive shift in labor policy. It underscores the state government’s commitment to enhancing worker welfare, addressing past financial injustices, and laying the groundwork for a more competent and motivated civil service.
With consistent revenue growth, strategic planning, and continuous engagement with stakeholders, Benue State is positioning itself as a forward-thinking government—one that prioritizes its workforce and embraces innovation to solve systemic problems. For thousands of civil servants and their families, this policy is more than just a wage increase—it is the promise of a better future.
