Edo State Governor Obaseki Raises Minimum Wage to N70,000 Amid Rising Inflation

In a significant move, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has announced a substantial increase in the minimum wage for civil servants, setting it at N70,000. The governor made this announcement during the inauguration of the new Labour House in Edo state, with the new wage slated to take effect from May 1st, 2024.

Governor Obaseki’s decision comes at a crucial time as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) continues to advocate for a higher minimum wage in response to the escalating national inflation. The latest data from the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) reveals a notable increase in the inflation rate, reaching 33.2 per cent in March 2024, up from 31.70 per cent in February. Food inflation also surged to 31.7 per cent in March from 30 per cent in February, reflecting the challenging economic landscape.

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State

The NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) had previously pushed for a new minimum wage of N615,000, emphasizing the pressing need for an adjustment to address the economic realities faced by workers across the country. This demand followed the establishment of a 37-member panel, inclusive of representatives from federal and state governments, the private sector, and organized labor, tasked with recommending a new national minimum wage. Vice President Kashim Shettima, representing President Bola Tinubu, had underscored the urgency of the matter during the panel’s inaugural meeting, highlighting the expiration of the current N30,000 minimum wage at the end of March 2024 and urging swift action in reaching a resolution.

Governor Obaseki’s proactive stance in addressing the wage concerns of civil servants in Edo State aligns with the broader national discourse on minimum wage adjustments amidst economic challenges, positioning the state as a proactive player in ensuring the welfare of its workforce.

Written by Boom RadioNG