BENIN CITY: The Edo State Head of Service, Dr Anthony Okungbowa, has reaffirmed that the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has consistently prioritised workers’ welfare since assuming office in November 2024.
Dr Okungbowa spoke during an engagement with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Negotiation Council (JNC) at the Government House, Benin City.
He described the administration’s achievements within a short period as unprecedented, citing deliberate reforms aimed at enhancing workers’ welfare and productivity. According to him, over 8,000 workers have been recruited into the state civil and public service in the last 12 months.
He also disclosed that the government had repositioned its electronic governance system through a fully state-owned, homegrown platform, resolving previous challenges related to backend access and intellectual property ownership while improving efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
On pensions, Dr Okungbowa assured labour leaders that issues surrounding accrued rights before the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2017 were being addressed.
He further commended the Governor for approving the payment of a 13th-month salary, describing it as a clear demonstration of concern for workers’ wellbeing.
NLC Chairman, Comrade Bernard Joman, praised the administration’s people-centred approach but called for a flat-rate payment of the 13th-month salary to ensure fairness
