Amidst the ongoing debate between the Federal Government and various state governments in Nigeria regarding the minimum wage, Edo State, under the leadership of Governor Godwin Obaseki, is making notable strides. Unlike many states that are still entangled in discussions with organized labor, Edo State is taking concrete actions to improve the socio-economic conditions of its workers.
In May 2023, following the Federal Government’s removal of the fuel subsidy, Governor Obaseki was the first to introduce measures to alleviate the rising cost of living. These measures included free bus rides and reduced working days, among other palliatives.
Additionally, the governor allowed workers to work from home twice a week and report to the office three days a week. These steps were part of the state’s immediate response to the cessation of petrol subsidy payments, which had led to increased food and fuel prices.
Before the excitement from these initiatives could subside, Governor Obaseki announced another significant move: raising the minimum wage for state workers from N40,000 to N70,000. This increase came at a time when many other state governors were still hesitant to implement the N30,000 minimum wage.
To further demonstrate his commitment, a recent report highlighted a meeting held on June 13, 2024, between various health unions and Edo State government officials. During this meeting, it was announced that the governor had approved the Enhanced Basic Salary and Hazard Allowance Review of CONHESS/CONMESS, equivalent to the N70,000 minimum wage, with a financial implication of about N229 million.
The statement also mentioned that, following the governor’s directive, salaries for all Edo workers would be paid on June 14, 2024, in light of the Sallah celebration. Health workers would receive their old salaries in June, with the new salary structure and Enhanced Hazard Allowance to be implemented in July, including arrears for June.
While Edo civil servants celebrate these positive changes, the ongoing debate in other states continues. Governor Obaseki’s actions set a strong example for his fellow state governors and the Federal Government.
Governor Obaseki’s efforts demonstrate that Nigeria’s challenges are not due to geographical location or lack of resources but rather the policies implemented by public officeholders. His actions show that he views Edo State civil servants as essential contributors to the state’s development.
From Obaseki’s example, it is clear that if Nigeria is to remain united, those in positions of authority must stop creating second-class citizens. Leaders must understand that power is the ability to achieve a purpose and bring about social, economic, political, cultural, and religious changes.
Power without love is reckless and abusive, while love without power is sentimental and weak. True power is love implementing justice, and justice is power correcting everything that stands against love. Until workers in Nigeria receive the right incentives, care, and encouragement, the nation will struggle to achieve its developmental goals.
Governor Obaseki’s actions also highlight the importance of timely decision-making. Leaders must develop their vision according to a strict timetable, as delay and procrastination are enemies of success. Many leaders have lost crucial battles because they did not make the right decisions at the right time.
While Governor Obaseki may not be perfect, his actions stand out in an era of visible shortfalls in dedicated and courageous leadership. His people-focused leadership is not new; in January 2023, the Edo Modular Refinery commenced operations under his watch, with plans to increase production capacity significantly.
The refinery, a fully funded project by AIPCC Energy Limited in partnership with AFCOM Oil & Gas and Peiyang Chemical Equipment Company of China, was developed with support from the Edo State government through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU).
Governor Obaseki’s leadership comes at a time when many other state governors struggle to revitalize or develop new infrastructure. The refinery, which can produce 50% diesel, 25% naphtha, and 200,000 liters of Low Pour Fuel Oil (LPFO), is the second attracted to the state by Obaseki’s administration to boost investment and drive industrialization.
Through Governor Obaseki’s efforts, thousands of direct and indirect jobs have been created for the people of Edo State, increasing the state’s revenue base.
As Edo civil servants celebrate Governor Obaseki’s leadership, it is essential for all Nigerians to demand accountability from their leaders, particularly state governors, for poor decisions, lack of planning, and denial of the truth about imminent threats facing their states. Nigerians must reject the false reasons given by clueless state governors for their states’ lack of development.
Governor Obaseki’s initiatives address unemployment through productive partnerships with key private sector players. Other state governors must learn that to survive as a nation, leaders must support the industrialization of their states. Failure to do so will hinder the economic progress of their people.
Utomi is the programme coordinator (media and public policy) at Social and Economic Justice Advocacy (SEJA), a Lagos-based non-governmental organization.
