… Unveils workers’ welfare gains
— Says governance must be measured by impact, not promises
BENIN CITY — Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has constituted a high-powered committee to review the state’s contributory pension scheme, assuring workers that their concerns will be addressed promptly.
The governor made the disclosure at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration themed, “Insecurity and Poverty — The Bane of Decent Work.”
He was represented by his deputy, Hon. Dennis Idahosa.
Addressing the workers, Okpebholo said his administration is committed to delivering tangible results, stressing that governance must be judged by impact, rather than promises.
“I have heard your concerns regarding the contributory pension scheme and have constituted a high-powered committee to review the matter and advise me within the shortest possible time,” he said.
“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.”
He commended labour leaders for sustaining a cordial relationship with government through constructive engagement, noting that workers’ welfare has remained a top priority since the inception of his administration.
According to him, the government has ensured prompt payment of salaries, sustained the 13th-month salary, and approved a new minimum wage of ₦75,000 monthly about a year ago.
On economic empowerment, the governor said his administration had launched a ₦1 billion interest-free loan scheme targeted at traders, artisans, and entrepreneurs to boost small businesses across the state.
Speaking on security, he noted that deliberate strategies had been put in place to ensure Edo remains safe for residents and investors, adding that security is the bedrock of productivity.
He disclosed that cult-related killings had dropped from over 300 annually to almost zero, attributing the development to decisive actions and increased support for security agencies, including the provision of vehicles, motorcycles, and other equipment.
Okpebholo further revealed that the government had released the first tranche of ₦1 billion for the payment of outstanding salary arrears at Ambrose Alli University, as well as another ₦1 billion for gratuities owed to retired local government pensioners.
“Those who served Edo faithfully must not be forgotten,” he said.
The governor also highlighted employment gains, noting that over 10,000 workers had been recruited, including 5,000 teachers, 1,300 healthcare personnel, and 2,500 local vigilantes.
He added that the Local Government Training Institute, Akpako-Edo, was being upgraded, with enrolment rising from about 30 to over 400 workers currently undergoing training.
Describing Edo as “a construction site,” Okpebholo said major road and infrastructure projects were ongoing across the three senatorial districts to improve mobility, support businesses, and enhance access to markets.
He also disclosed the appointment of credible professionals into the Civil Service Commission and Local Government Service Commission to strengthen personnel administration.
“We celebrate the men and women whose daily efforts keep our state moving forward — teachers, health workers, civil servants, toartisans, traders, and security personnel. You are the backbone of Edo’s progress,” he added.
The governor called on workers and residents to continue supporting the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, noting that federal backing had contributed to the state’s achievements.
In his remarks, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, represented by Assistant Chief Labour Officer, Otobrise Nisiagho, congratulated Nigerian workers for their contributions to national development.
He described the theme of the celebration as apt, noting that insecurity and poverty continue to undermine productivity and economic growth.
“The rising cost of living driven by global economic challenges has placed enormous pressure on workers’ wages. There can be no decent work where wages consign workers to poverty, as Nigerian workers bear the brunt of the burden,” he said, adding that the Renewed Hope Agenda aims to promote decent work for all.
Also speaking, the Edo State Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Hon. Godwin Eshieshi, congratulated workers and urged stakeholders to collaborate with the state government in advancing skills development and creating employment opportunities for youths.
He frowned at the casualisation of workers, describing it as dehumanising and counterproductive, and assured that Edo would key into federal empowerment programmes to benefit its citizens.
The Edo State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Bernard Joman Eguakhide, commended the governor for his achievements within one year in office, particularly in prioritising workers’ welfare despite prevailing economic challenges.
He, however, appealed to the government to exclude workers employed before 2017 from the contributory pension scheme and reinstate the defined benefits scheme.
Similarly, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Joseph James Wasah, lauded the governor’s developmental strides and urged him to sustain the momentum.
He also praised the reconstitution of the Civil Service Commission, noting that it had enhanced transparency and efficiency in handling promotions, transfers, and appeals.
Wasah further urged the Edo State Government to implement the recently announced upward review of allowances for civil servants by the Federal Government, covering transportation, housing, and meals, to cushion the effects of inflation.
“We therefore urge the Edo State Government to urgently key into this initiative so that Edo workers are not left behind,” he said.
