The Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo has directed all Heads of Local Government Administration (HsOLGA) across the 18 Local Government Councils in Edo State, to Implement the Seven-five Thousand Naira (#75,000.00) new Minimum Wage he announced on May 1st.
TheNewspad recalls that workers in the State Civil Service have being benefitting from the Government increased monthly minimum wage award from N70,000 to N75,000 announced by the Governor during Workers Day celebration.
But their counterparts in the Local Government implementation was unduly delayed by the Government that eventually made a U-turn ahead of the Edo Central Senatorial District and Ovia Federal House of Representatives seat bye-elections billed for Saturday August 16.
The Governor’s directive is contained a circular signed by the Permanent Secretary, Edo State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Pauline Irusota, Esq. on behalf of the Commissioner in the Ministry, Lucky Eseigbe.
Dated 8th August 2025, marked, F/MLG/74/VOIT/2, the government circular wac titled, “Re: Implementation of Seventy-Five Thousand Naira (N75,000) New Minimum Wage for Eighteen Local Government Council Workers”.
It read, “I am directed to refer to a letter from Local Government Service Commission, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, on the above subject with reference No. AD/953/T/19 dated 11th July, 2025, requesting the implementation of the Seventy-Five Thousand Naira (N75,000) across the Eighteen (18) Local Government Councils, Local Government, Local Government staff training school, Benin Traditional Council, BTC, Local Government staff Pension Board and Local Government Service Commission”.
The circular, seen by TheNewspad Newspaper also said, “flowing from the above, I am to convey the directive of the Honourable Commissioner that all Heads of Local Government Administrations are to implement the N75,000 minimum wage across the afore-mentioned Local Government bodies, with effective from 1st May 2025.
“Please, be assured of the warm regards of the Honourable Commisioner”, the circular stated.
In his letter of appreciation, Prince Emmanuel I. Aitokhaimen (Comrade)
Publicity Secretary (PS),
National Union of Local Government Employees, Edo State Chapter on behalf of the Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.
The letter described the move as “a significant milestone, and we appreciate the Governor and the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, says Edo NULGE boss”.
The letter also said
Local Government Staff Training School, Benin Traditional Council, Pension Board and the Local Government Service Commission will also benefit from the new wage award, effective 1st May, 2025.
The President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Edo State Chapter, Comrade (Dr.) Scot Aigbovia has on behalf of NULGE, Edo State Chapter, expresses his heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, Distinguished Senator Monday Okpebholo, the Executive Governor of Edo State for the approval”.
He also appreciated the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for the directive given to the Heads of Local Government Administration (HsOLGA) to implement the seventy-five thousand new minimum wage with effect from 1st May, 2025.
The letter reads partly: “On behalf of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Edo State Chapter, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to His Excellency, Governor Monday Okpebholo, and the Honourable Commissioner, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for their remarkable leadership and commitment to the welfare of Local Government workers in Edo State.
”The payment of the new minimum wage of seventy-five thousand naira (#75,000) to local government workers across the state will be a groundbreaking achievement that will bring immense joy and relief to our members.
“The bold move demonstrates the government’s dedication to improving the lives of its employees and acknowledges the invaluable contributions of Local Government workers to the state’s development.
”The payment of the new minimum wage will undoubtedly have a positive impact on the lives of local government workers, enabling them to better provide for their families and contribute to the state’s economic growth. We are confident that this gesture will boost workers’ morale, productivity, and overall job satisfaction.
”Once again, we express our profound gratitude to Governor Okpebholo and the Honourable Commissioner for their visionary leadership and commitment to the welfare of Local Government workers.
“We look forward to continued collaboration and progress” – noted Edo NULGE boss”, according to the circular.
Remarkably, in July, TheNewspad published a report on threats that delayed the implementation of new minimum wage across the Local Government Councils.
Analysts familiar with the unfolding scenerio, blamed largely on the absence of elected Council officials across the Councils that have since been replaced with Caretaker Committees.
The delay in the implementation of wage award, dampened the enthusiasm of most workers at the various Local Governments.
After most of the elected Council Chairmen were exited in power struggle between Okpebholo and the suspended Council officials who came into office during the tenure of Godwin Obaseki-PDP-led administration.
