From Tony Osauzo and Ighomuaye Lucky, Benin
Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki has announced an increase in the minimum wage for workers in the state from N40,000 to N70,000 with effect from May 1.
He announced this during the official commissioning of the Labour House built for workers by the state government and named after the immediate past governor of the state, Adams Oshiomhole, in Benin, yesterday.
The governor acknowledged it is true that N40,000 can no longer take workers home due to the prevailing economic hardship and that increasing their pay to N70,000 was not a bad idea.
Obaseki promised he is prepared to further increase the minimum wage if the Federal Government also increases the state’s minimum wage, adding that he has enjoyed a very cordial working relationship with the organised labour in the state in the past seven and half years.
He explained the idea to build the edifice located on Temboga Road in the Ikpoba Hill axis of the state capital, was conceptualised by his predecessor, Oshiomhole and was completed by him (Obaseki).
He, therefore, tasked the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to keep the structure intact and make judicious use of it.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, commended the state governor for taking the lead by being the first to have paid the N40,000 minimum wage and now N70,000.
He said though the NLC is asking for minimum wage above N70,000, Obaseki should be commended for being the first governor to have started with N70,000.
Also speaking at the event, Isa Aremu described the building as one of the best in the country, adding that he has visited so many states and he has not seen an edifice as the one just being commissioned.
He commended the state governor for dedicating his time and resources for the struggle of the labour movement in the state.
In his remarks, Edo State Head of Service, Anthony Okungbowa, said the building shows the love the governor has for the NLC and the harmonious relationship that has existed between both parties.
He thanked Oshiomhole for laying the foundation and the organised labour for their cooperation over the years that has led to the actualisation of the building being commissioned.
Similarly, the state NLC Chairman, Odion Olaye, thanked Governor Obaseki for making the dream of the state workers come true.