The approval of a new minimum wage of N70,000 for civil servants in Edo State by Governor Godwin Obaseki has sparked mixed reactions among Nigerians.
Governor Obaseki, while inaugurating the Labour House on Monday, announced the approval of the new minimum wage, which comes into effect on Workers Day, May 1st, 2024. He also renamed the Labour House after the Senator representing Edo North and former governor of Edo State, Adams Oshiomhole.
Following the announcement, some netizens took to social media to express their opinions. While some applauded the governor for the gesture, others criticized him, suggesting that the decision was politically motivated due to the forthcoming state governorship election.
@IamThatNaijaGuy tweeted: “This is just a political minimum wage, just so that PDP will have something to campaign with. I know that Edo people are wise enough to understand his antics.”
@Osasidaho wrote: “Aside from this new N70,000 minimum wage, Obaseki still pays the highest minimum wage in Nigeria, 40k since 2022.”
@PureStanley1 wrote: “Obaseki just increased the minimum wage to 70k, just to score cheap political points. If u know u know. He knows the Edo state gubernatorial election is around the corner, and he is doing everything he can to get EDOLITES in his pocket so they will vote Asue Ighadalo to be the next governor.”
However, some users commended the governor for the decision.
@IkoksSamuel wrote: “We should learn how to appreciate good things. This announcement hasn’t got to all States. So, congratulations to Edo civil servants.”
While @SamuelIkoko wrote: “Congratulations to Edo workers.”
The approval of the new minimum wage has generated mixed feelings among the people, with some questioning the timing of the decision and others celebrating the increase.
