By Editor
It is no longer news that the previous N40,000 minimum wage can no longer meet with the present day economic reality due to the astronomical rise in the cost of living.
Conscious of this obvious reality, the Edo State governor, Mr Godwin Obaseki, announced an increase in the workers salaries from N40,000 to N70,000 effect from May 1st.
He disclosed this during the official commissioning of the Labour House, named after the immediate past governor of the state, Senator Adams Oshiomhole in Benin City.
Obaseki said that he is prepared to also increase their pay if the federal government also increases its minimum wage.
The governor said he has enjoyed a very cordial working relationship with the organized labour in the state in the past seven and half years.
The governor who said that the idea to build the edifice was conceptualized by his predecessor, Senator Adams Oshiomhole and was completed by him (Obaseki), tasked the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to keep the structure intact and make judicious use of it.
On his part, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Joe Ajero 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 that though the NLC is asking above N70,000 but having a governor to have started with N70,000, he should be commended.
On the part of Isa Aremu, he said the building is 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.
Speaking also, the Edo State Head of Service (HoS), Anthony Okungbowa said the building being commissioned, shows the love the governor has for the NLC in the state and the harmonious relationship that has existed between both parties.
He thanked Adams Oshiomhole for laying the foundation and to the organized labour for their corporations over the years that has led to the actualization of the building being commissioned.
For the State NLC chairman, Comrade Odion Olaye, he thanked the state governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki for making the dream of the state labour workers come through.
