Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has announced a landmark increase in the minimum wage for civil servants to N70,000 during the inauguration of the Labour House, renamed after Adams Oshiomhole, former governor of the state and current senator representing Edo North.
This move, effective from May 1, 2024, has stirred mixed reactions across Nigeria, with some lauding it as a commendable gesture while others criticize it as pre-election gimmicks.
The decision comes amid ongoing agitation by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) for higher wages, driven by economic challenges exacerbated by recent policy reforms.
Despite the announcement receiving praise from some quarters, skeptics question the timing, attributing it to political motives as elections draw near. Meanwhile, concerns linger about the sustainability of the wage increase and its impact on the state's economy.
