…says N70,000 new minimum wage proof of govt’s commitment to rewarding hard work
…as FG declares May 1 public holiday
The Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki has hailed the outstanding contribution of workers in the state to the growth of the state’s Gross Domestic Products in the past seven and half years of his administration, noting that their commitment, and dedication in transforming the state deserves praise.
This comes as workers in Edo join their counterparts across Nigeria and other parts of the world to mark this year’s Workers’ Day, which is commemorated every May 1.
The Federal Government has also declared the day a public holiday.
Obaseki, in a statement to mark the 2024 Workers’ Days, noted, “This is my last year in office and I dare say that I have had the best of time working with workers in Edo State. The experience has been exhilarating. I am happy that working with you all, we grew the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by over 140 percent. For me, that is rewarding.
“It has indeed been enriching journey working and I am glad that we are signing off on an exciting note as only two days ago, I announced that we have raised the Edo State minimum wage from N40,000 to N70,000, an increase of over 75% percent, which reflects how much we have come to value the work you do and which also speaks to our unwavering commitment to rewarding hard work as a government.”
Obaseki said his administration has improved the working conditions for the state’s workforce.
“From infrastructure upgrade to prioritizing technology and improving incentives for work, we have successfully built the first state government in Nigeria to go fully digital. The rate that technology is redefining work processes in Edo today is unprecedented and our workers can testify to the fact that the e-gov platform we have implemented has radically changed governance,” the governor said.
“We have migrated our workers to the Contributory Pension Scheme at the State and Local Government levels such that they have a stable post-work life even as we have transformed the work environment to promote merit, technology-compliance, a healthy work-life balance and emerged as the best public service to work on the African continent.
“We have just commissioned the Labour House, which would serve as the Secretariat of the Labour Movement in Nigeria and also as a symbol of the illustrious heritage of our people who have done great work in sustaining the Labour movement in Nigeria,” he added.
Meanwhile, declaring today a public holiday, Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, re-echoed the need for excellence, efficiency, and equity in all spheres of labour, according to a statement by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Aishetu Ndayako.
“In alignment with this year’s theme, which focuses on ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate, I wish to state that the Federal Government remains steadfast in its resolve to prioritise the safety and well-being of all citizens,” the minister said.
“Let me reaffirm Mr. President’s commitment to providing a conducive environment for work, where every worker can thrive and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
The minister, who acknowledged the contribution of workers, called for more measures to mitigate the adverse effects of climate change through synergy.
