Gov. Obaseki Approves ₦70k Minimum Wage for Edo State Civil Servants 

Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has announced a significant increase in the minimum wage for state workers.

Speaking during the commissioning of the newly built ultra-modern labour house secretariat complex for Labour Unions in the state at Temboga Road, Ikpoba-Hill, Benin City, Obaseki revealed that the approved minimum wage would be set at ₦70,000, effective May 1st, 2024.

This decision comes at a critical juncture as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) continues to discuss a nationwide adjustment to the minimum wage with the federal government.

The NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have advocated a substantial increase to match the country’s soaring inflation rates.

Recent data released by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) painted a concerning picture of the economic landscape, with inflation rates reaching alarming levels.

In March 2024, the inflation rate surged to 33.2 per cent, up from 31.7 per cent in February. Additionally, food inflation rose to 31.7 per cent in March, further exacerbating ordinary citizens’ financial challenges.

The labour unions’ demand for a new minimum wage of ₦615,000 shows the urgency of addressing the economic hardships experienced by workers nationwide.

President Bola Tinubu, through Vice President Kashim Shettima, initiated a 37-member panel to recommend a new national minimum wage.

This panel, comprising representatives from federal and state governments, the private sector, and organised labour, convened at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja.

During the inaugural meeting, Vice President Shettima emphasised the need for swift action, urging members to expedite the resolution process.

The urgency stemmed from the impending expiration of the current ₦30,000 minimum wage at the end of March 2024.

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