…commissions, names Labour House after Adams Oshiomhole

… promises to make further adjustments when FG announces new minimum wage

The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has increased the minimum wage for workers in the State from N40,000 to N70,000.

The Governor announced the increment on Monday during the commissioning of the newly built ultra-modern Labour House Secretariat Complex for Labour Unions in the State, along Temboga Road, Ikpoba-Hill, Benin City.

He also named the Labour House after his predecessor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Governor Obaseki appreciated members of the Organised Labour in the State for the peaceful relationship between the Unions and the State Government, stressing that for the past seven and half years the State has not witnessed any local industrial action.

According to the Governor, “I want to thank the Labour movement in Edo State because, for the last seven and half years, you have joined us to institute very deep institutional reforms in the State.

“You have been hearing them reel out achievements as a government but these achievements wouldn’t have been possible if we had a very hostile labour relationship.
“It is the cooperation and support which we enjoyed from Labour that have made it possible for us to achieve all that we have achieved, and also encourage us to do more.”

Obaseki enjoined the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to take advantage of the new secretariat and ensure a good maintenance culture, stating that they have halls they can leverage to generate revenue and keep the building in good shape.

“Let me close by enjoining the owners of this building, the TUC and NLC that we would like to see this building in this state for years to come. We have made sure that the concept and the design of this building have independent revenue-yielding spaces such as the hall, and the warehouses, and if properly managed you should be able to raise sufficient revenue to maintain and keep this building in proper shape,” he said.

The Governor commended the immediate past Governor and former President of NLC, Comrade Senator Adams Oshiomhole whom the Labour House was named, for conceiving the project and allocating the land for the building, he has now built and commissioned.

Meanwhile, Governor Obaseki threw the crowd of workers present at the commissioning into wide jubilation when he announced that effective May 1, 2024, the minimum wage for the state workers has been increased from N40,000 to N70,000.

He said, “I am one of those governors who believe that we cannot run away from the fact that we have to adjust the minimum wage of workers in Nigeria. It would have been nice for there to be a central, cohesive and common approach, we would have expected that by now there will be a direction on what minimum wage should be for workers in Nigeria. We don’t know when that will happen and it happens fine, if it doesn’t happen, as a state, we will still have to do what we need to do.”

The Governor stated that should the Federal Government announce a new minimum wage of more than N70,000, he would further adjust Edo workers’ minimum wage upward, stressing that he wants Edo workers to earn a living wage.


“For us in Edo State, we have decided to move the minimum wage from N40,000 to N70,000 effective from 1st of May 2024. I think like a capitalist and not a comrade. In my May Day speech, I will give more details on our new minimum wage. If the Federal Government proposes something higher, we will make the necessary adjustments,” Obaseki maintained.

In his speech, the Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, commended the governor’s commitment to the welfare of Edo workers, noting some of his achievements including fully digitalising the state civil service, prompt payment of salaries, the highest minimum wage in Nigeria, payment of 13th-month salary, life insurance for Edo workers, health insurance for workers, automatic employment for first-class citizens of Edo State, regular promotion for Edo workers, among others.

In his welcome address, Edo State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Odion Olaye, commended Governor Obaseki for his magnanimity, friendliness and concern towards Edo workers, and for building the Labour House for the organized labour in the state.

According to Olaye “I want to thank Mr. Governor for building this gigantic edifice for organized labour. as workers in Edo State have long been waiting for a day like this as the house has been desired for over 25 years. This building is second to none in Nigeria. Today the NLC and TUC, workers have affirmed Mr. Governor’s magnanimity to all workers.”

Also speaking at the ceremony, The President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero and the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo, showered praise on Governor Obaseki for being a labour-friendly governor and for building the best labour house for organized labour in the state.

The NLC President in his keynote address, extolled the virtues of the foremost Labour leader, Pa Michael Imodu, who he described as the founding father of Labour Union as far as Nigeria is concerned. He described Edo State as the home of Labour leaders in Nigeria having produced so many labour leaders.

On his part, the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Engr. Festus Osifo said the building is the best labour edifice, adding that “the achievements of the governor are not contestable.”

“I thank you for digitalising the labour workforce in Edo State. I am impressed by your developmental achievements which have helped to reduce the plight of workers in Edo State,” he noted.

Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, who was represented by Isa Aremu, Director of Michael Imodu Labour Institute, commended Governor Obaseki for his fraternal relationship with workers in the state and for naming the Labour House after former Governor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole. He praised Edo State for being the only state in the country that has been paying higher than the national minimum wage beginning from the administration of Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, and Governor Obaseki increased it to N40,000.

Dignitaries present at the commissioning ceremony include Edo State Governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, Edo State Deputy Governor, Godwins Marvellous Omobayo, Speaker of Edo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon Blessing Agbebaku, Chief Judge of Edo State, Daniel Okungbowa, Edo State Head of Service, Barr. Anthony Okungbowa, Secretary to the State Government, Barr. Osarodion Ogie, serving commissioners, members of the Edo State House of Assembly.

Others are the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajaero; President, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo; Chairman, NLC in Edo State, Comrade Odion Olaye among others.