Edo minimum wage increase sparks NLC push for higher pay, as the union urges Governor Okpebholo to review salaries and improve workers’ welfare.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has reiterated its commitment to engaging constructively with state governments across the country in order to secure better welfare packages and wage improvements for workers.
In Edo State, the union assured employees that it would work closely with the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo to press for a further review of the recently announced minimum wage.
Governor Okpebholo, during the last May Day celebration, had increased the minimum wage to ₦75,000, a move many described as a positive gesture towards easing the financial burdens of workers.
Caretaker Committee Chairman of the Edo NLC, Prof. Monday Igbafen, emphasized that no achievement in labour history has ever come without struggle.
He therefore appealed to workers in the state to remain patient and allow the union to intensify dialogue with the government on their behalf.
Prof. Igbafen expressed confidence that Governor Okpebholo, given his demonstrated concern for worker welfare, would respond positively to the union’s demands in due time.
Supporting this stance, Edo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Hon. Paul Ohonbamu, noted that the governor had already taken commendable steps to improve the lives of workers.
He highlighted the provision of a ₦1 billion soft loan, the payment of student bursaries, and the increment of the minimum wage as clear evidence of Okpebholo’s commitment.
While Ohonbamu expressed optimism that another wage increase might be possible, he admitted that the government could not yet specify when such an adjustment would take place.
Meanwhile, in Lagos, the state chapter of the NLC has renewed its calls for a substantial upward review of salaries.
The union is demanding that the minimum wage be raised from ₦85,000 to ₦150,000 in order to cushion the harsh effects of inflation and the rising cost of living.
The Lagos demand comes in the wake of recent wage announcements by Imo and Ebonyi States, where the governments approved new increments for their workers.
The NLC argued that these developments clearly signal a nationwide recognition of the urgent need to review wages to match current economic realities.
Speaking on Thursday, the Chairperson of the Lagos State NLC, Mrs. Funmi Sesi, commended Imo and Ebonyi for their bold steps.
She insisted that if states with smaller revenue profiles could implement meaningful wage increases, then Lagos — widely regarded as Nigeria’s economic hub — had no moral or financial justification for lagging behind.
READ MORE: Lagos NLC demands ₦150,000 minimum wage for workers