By Imelda Osayande
Gov. Monday Okpebholo of Edo, on Friday, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, with the release of N2 billion for the payment of outstanding salary and pension arrears.
Okpebholo, represented by Dep. Gov. Dennis Idahosa, announced the cheering news to an excited crowd of civil servants during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration in Benin City.
He also recalled that in May 2025, his administration moved the state’s minimum wage from N70,000 to N75,000 to further demonstrate his concern for workers.
He said that his administration had created over 10,000 jobs since its inception in November 2024.
The governor described the relationship between the organised labour and the State Government as “a model of productive partnership, rooted in mutual respect”.
“I am very delighted to join the hardworking men and women of Edo on this special occasion of Workers’ Day, 2026.”
“Today, we celebrate the men and women, whose daily efforts keep our state moving forward.
“From teachers to health workers, civil servants, artisans, traders, and security personnel, you are the backbone of Edo’s progress,” he said.
Okpebholo said that workers’ welfare had been a “top priority from the first day of this administration”, citing the prompt salary payments and sustained 13th-month salary.
He disclosed that the new minimum wage of N75,000 monthly was in recognition of “labour’s right to dignified compensation”.
He further announced the release of N1 billion as the first tranche for the payment of the outstanding salary arrears owed to Ambrose Alli University staff, and another N1 billion to clear gratuities owed to retired local government pensioners.
“Those who served Edo faithfully must not be forgotten.
“The administration has employed over 10,000 workers, including 5,000 teachers, 1,300 healthcare workers, and 2,500 local vigilantes,” the governor said.
He said that the Local Government Training Institute in Akoko-Edo had been upgraded, with the enrolment rising from 30 workers to over 400 workers currently undergoing professional training.
He announced a N1 billion interest-free loan scheme for traders, artisans, and entrepreneurs to stimulate productivity at the community level as part of his economic empowerment programme.
He described Edo as “an active construction site”, where major road and infrastructure projects were ongoing across the three senatorial districts to ease movement and boost commerce.
The governor reported that “through decisive action, cult-related killings have reduced from over 300 yearly to almost zero”.
He said that security agencies had been equipped with vehicles, motorcycles, and operational materials to sustain the gains.
Responding to workers’ concerns about the contributory pensions scheme, he said that a high-powered committee had been set up to review the matter and submit advisory recommendations “within the shortest possible time”.
He lauded President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for enabling Edo’s progress and urged workers to support the Federal Government’s reforms.
“My dear workers, this administration believes governance must be measured by impact, not promises.
“We will continue to work with labour in mutual respect and good faith as we build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous Edo State,” the governor said.
Labour leaders at the event, including the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Bernard Eguakhide, and the Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), hailed the wage increase and arrears payment but called for accelerated action on the pension review.
Eguakhide said this year’s theme for workers day celebration: “Insecurity and Poverty: The Bane of Decent Work,” spoke directly to the harsh realities confronting workers in the nation and the world at-large as a result of the continued war in some part of the world that affected crude oil prices across the globe.
He commended the governor for sustaining the prompt payment of salaries, restoring stability in workers’ lives, driving employment initiatives, including recruitment of teachers and civil servants.
“Edo has enjoyed over one year of sustained industrial peace due to your support for the Congress and workers.
“We assure you of our continued cooperation and commitment to keeping Edo free from industrial unrest and reassure you and your government that Edo will not burn, instead Edo will SHINE during our reign as labour leaders in the state,” he said.
