Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki announced that the state government had planned for a N70,000 minimum wage three years ago, anticipating economic challenges.
This announcement was made on Wednesday when the Editorial Board of Tell Magazine presented him with the Award for Exceptional Courage in Leadership in Benin City on Tuesday. The statement was issued by Crusoe Osagie, the Special Adviser to the Edo State Governor on Media Projects.
Governor Obaseki explained that the state foresaw the need for an increased minimum wage and took proactive steps when he began warning about the Federal Government’s excessive borrowing to fulfill its statutory obligations.
He remarked, “We can pay the N70,000 minimum wage because we planned for it over the last three years, knowing that a time like this would arrive.”
He expressed gratitude, noting that their foresight and sincerity have led to their current vindication, and attributed the state’s resilience to the institutional reforms they have implemented.
These reforms have enabled better management of Edo State’s economy and governance, fostering transparency and growth.
Obaseki emphasized the support and understanding from the people of Edo, which has bolstered the government’s courage in addressing various challenges. He highlighted the state’s steady growth and reiterated his commitment to completing ongoing projects before the end of his administration.
He added, “In the next few months, we will finish strong and complete everything we have started. This week, I will establish a transition team to compile and document all our achievements, projects, and initiatives for the incoming administration.”
