In a move that has elicited both excitement and anticipation, the Edo State Government has announced a sub-
stantial increase in the minimum wage for its civil servants. Governor Godwin Obaseki made the declaration during the commissioning ceremony of the newly built Labour House. The new minimum wage, which has been raised from N40,000 to N70,000, represents a 75 per cent increase. The implementation of the new wage took effect from May 1, 2024.
This announcement has been met with widespread joy and relief among Edo State civil servants, who have long yearned for an upward review of their salaries. The increase is expected to go a long way in alleviating the financial challenges faced by many workers and improving their overall living standards. It is also seen as a testament to the Governor’s commitment to the welfare of his employees and his understanding of the economic realities faced by the workforce.
Recall that the upward review in the state’s minimum wage has been a forward-thinking decision. It all started with Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who raised it from N18,000 to N25,000 during his time in office. The current Governor jacked it up even further to N40,000. This gradual increase in the minimum wage shows a growing understanding of the necessity for adjusting wages to keep up with the increasing cost of living and to ensure a decent standard of living for all residents. The actions demonstrate a commitment to economic stability in the state.
The increasing inflation rates in Nigeria have sparked a dispute between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Federal Government over the national minimum wage. The NLC is pushing for a raise in wages to help workers cope with the rising prices, driven by the inflation rate reaching 33.2 per cent in March 2024, up from 31.7 per cent in February. Food inflation also climbed to 31.7 per cent in March from 30 per cent in February, adding to the urgency of the NLC’s call for a wage adjustment to match the cost of living.
The NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have jointly proposed a minimum wage of N615,000 for workers in the country. This demand was made after President Bola Tinubu, through Vice President Kashim Shettima, established a 37-member panel at the Council Chamber of the State House in Abuja on January 30. The panel is tasked with reviewing the current minimum wage and making recommendations for a new one.
Labour unions’ proposal is based on several factors, including the rising cost of living, inflation, and the need to improve the welfare of workers. They argue that the current minimum wage of N30,000 is no longer adequate to meet the basic needs of workers and their families. They also point out that the proposed N615,000 minimum wage is still significantly lower than the living wage, which is estimated to be around N800,000.
There is no formal response to the organised labour’s demand. However, negotiations are ongoing with the unions to find a compromise. The government may take into account the recommendations of the 37-member panel before deciding on the new wage. The outcome of the negotiations will greatly affect the lives of Nigerian workers. A higher take-home could give workers a necessary boost in income, helping them meet their essential needs and enhance their quality of life.
Governor Godwin Obaseki’s decision to increase the minimum wage for workers in his state is a testament to his commitment to improving the lives of the working class. This bold move demonstrates his understanding of the challenges faced by Edo civil servants and his determination to address their concerns. By ensuring that workers receive a living wage, Obaseki may not only be fulfilling his campaign promises but also setting a precedent.
Obaseki’s labour-friendly approach is a refreshing change from the past, when workers’ rights were often ignored. His willingness to engage with labour unions and negotiate a fair wage agreement even before a new national minimum wage is declared, shows that he values the contributions of the working class. The prioritisation of workers’ welfare will surely create a conducive environment for businesses to thrive and for the state to prosper.
In response to this generous act, Edo workers have a moral obligation to reciprocate by enhancing their productivity and demonstrating an unwavering commitment to their duties. They can justify the investment made in their welfare if they work harder. This enhanced productivity will benefit the state government and have a positive impact on the citizens they serve. Efficient and effective service delivery will foster a more conducive environment for advancement.
Beyond the commendable wage increase for workers in the state, the government has the responsibility to reposition the civil service for enhanced effectiveness and productivity. This strategic move would not only demonstrate the authority’s genuine concern for the well-being of its staff but also lay the foundation for a more efficient and responsive public service system.
Reforming the civil service entails implementing comprehensive reforms aimed at modernising its operations, streamlining processes, and fostering a culture of innovation and excellence. This can be achieved through initiatives such as digitalisation, capacity building, performance management systems, and merit-based promotions. These measures can empower civil servants with the tools and knowledge necessary to deliver exceptional services to the citizens of the state.
An effective and productive civil service is essential for the smooth functioning of any government. It is the backbone of governance, responsible for implementing policies, providing essential services, and ensuring accountability. The new minimum wage can create a workforce that is motivated, skilled, and committed to delivering optimal results. This, in turn, will enhance the government’s ability to meet the needs of its citizens and drive socio-economic development in the state.
In line with Obaseki’s actions, state governors should proactively review their employees’ salaries. It is unacceptable that many governors are still unable to meet the current N30,000 minimum wage requirement. This not only constitutes a blatant breach of the law but also signifies a grave betrayal of the trust entrusted upon them by the workers. Governors hold the pivotal duty of guaranteeing equitable pay for their employees to sustain a respectable standard of living. The failure of some of them to adhere to the minimum wage standards greatly contributes to the prevailing poverty and inequality in the nation.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s declaration of a significant surge in Rivers State’s monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) is an achievement that resonates deeply within the economic landscape of Nigeria. The IGR’s rise from a humble estimate of N11 billion to a staggering N26 to N27 billion – a boost of over one hundred per cent – presents a laudable financial milestone. Fubara’s strategic and proactive revenue generation endeavours are attributable to this impressive accomplishment.
The declaration was made during the Governor’s address to the members of the House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts, who visited him at the Government House in Port Harcourt to commend his government for hosting their retreat. Led by its Chairman, Hon. Busayo Oluwole Oke, the House commended the Governor for his commitment to fiscal responsibility and prudent financial management.
A report by Economic Confidential, quoting official statistics, shows that six states of the federation are insolvent, highlighting the unfortunate reality of Nigeria’s second tier of government. It is the most recent confirmation that many sub-nationals have become economic parasites, unable to sustain themselves without federal allocations. This is why the Governor’s remarkable achievement in doubling the IGR is praiseworthy.
Fubara’s success in boosting the IGR is a testament to his understanding of the importance of diversified revenue sources for sustainable development. The increase in revenue will enable the government to fund critical infrastructure projects, enhance public services, and improve the overall well-being of the people of Rivers State.
To ensure the prudent and effective utilisation of funds, it is imperative to invest in infrastructure projects that have the potential to generate employment opportunities and stimulate economic growth. By focusing on critical projects such as transportation, energy, and water systems, the government can create a multiplier effect that benefits the entire state. These projects not only provide employment opportunities but also lay the foundation for long-term economic development.
Governor Fubara’s decision to publicly disclose the monthly receipts is a testament to his unwavering commitment to transparency and accountability in governance. By making such information accessible to the public, he has set an exemplary precedent that should be emulated by all those entrusted with public funds. His honesty and integrity are laudable, as he could have easily concealed these funds without facing any consequences. His actions manifest his belief that the people he serves have a right to know how their funds are being utilised.
This disclosure is a vital step towards building trust between the government and its citizens. It clearly shows that Fubara is unafraid of scrutiny and is willing to take responsibility for his actions. His transparency has established a space where the public can engage in overseeing the use of public funds, guaranteeing their efficient allocation and preventing corruption. This sets a positive precedent for other government officials, inspiring them to embrace similar principles of transparency and accountability.
In addition to Siminalayi’s candour, residents of the state will feel more motivated to pay their taxes, knowing that the funds will be used for the overall development and progress of the state. This heightened trust and confidence in the government’s management of public funds will benefit everyone. The Governor is effectively promoting a culture of civic duty and cooperation among residents by demonstrating dedication to accountability and responsible financial management.
At a time when governors like Fubara are thinking outside the box to double their IGR, most of the sub-nationals have become economic parasites that cannot survive on their own without relying on federal allocations. For the country to overcome poverty and joblessness, the states must revert to productive, self-sustaining units.
According to figures from the National Bureau of Statistics and the Federation Account Allocation Committee, the report identified Lagos, Ogun, Rivers, Kaduna, Kwara, Oyo, and Edo as the most financially viable states in Nigeria for 2022. However, Bayelsa, Akwa Ibom, Katsina, Taraba, Yobe, and Kebbi States were unable to generate at least 10 per cent of the total allocations they received from FAAC and were declared insolvent.
In 2022, the internally generated revenue of the 36 states totaled N1.8 trillion, slightly higher than the N1.76 trillion generated in 2021. Lagos alone generated N651 billion, surpassing the combined revenue of 30 other states. The situation appears even more concerning when considering that the seven most prosperous states generated N1.5 trillion internally, nearly double the total IGR of the remaining 29 states, which amounted to about N650 billion.
The nine oil-producing states received additional allocations as their share of the 13 per cent derivation revenue, bringing their total receipts to about N869.09 billion. The stark reality is that without federal allocations and oil resources, many states would be insolvent. This is due to the extreme laziness and lack of creativity demonstrated by the states in boosting revenue generation for impactful development. In the First Republic, the regions were the driving force behind Nigeria’s development. They led in agriculture, mining, industrialisation, infrastructure, and social services, making them self-sufficient.
Yet, no state is inherently poor. In addition to advantages in agriculture and human capital, each state possesses rich deposits of various mineral types. These resources can be utilised to generate revenue, stimulate production, generate employment, and enhance their tax base. Agriculture and mining present opportunities to supply raw materials for industrial growth and attract investment.
As Rivers State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) continues to grow, it is necessary for Sir Fubara to address leakages and reduce the cost of governance. Implementing comprehensive economic policies is essential to sustain this growth and reduce the state’s dependence on federal sharing. Capitalising on the liberalised power sector to attract investments and stimulate productive activities is key. The state should focus on improving rural infrastructure, education, health, and agriculture, while promoting private sector-led economies with Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups at the centre.

Penultimate Friday, a devastating fire incident occurred, leaving a trail of destruction and unspeakable tragedy. A tanker transporting premium motor spirit (PMS) collided with a heavy duty truck, triggering an inferno that engulfed the area. Motorists and commuters were caught in the conflagration, their lives extinguished in the relentless flames. The fire’s intensity left many victims unrecognisable, while their bodies charred beyond identification.
The vehicles in the vicinity were reduced to smoldering wreckage, their once-pristine exteriors twisted and consumed by the relentless heat. The fire raged uncontrollably, leaving a scene of utter devastation in its wake. Emergency responders fought valiantly to contain the blaze, but the damage had already been done. The incident sent shockwaves throughout the state and beyond, leaving residents reeling from the magnitude of the loss. Families were torn apart, lives cut short in an instant.
The event reportedly occurred between Indorama gate and Aleto bridge on the popular and ever-busy Eleme section of the East-West Road, now undergoing major reconstruction by the Federal Government. The State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, visited the scene and expressed pain and anguish upon sighting the gory spot. It was a devastating sight that left him visibly shaken, as he consoled the victims and their families.
Nigeria’s infrastructural state has been a scourge for many years, with roads being one of the most glaring examples of neglect. Sadly, that portion of the East-West Road, which has been neglected for more than 17 years, connects the Eleme-Onne oil and gas industrial hub as well as hundreds of other related industries like the Indorama Petrochemical, Port Harcourt Refineries, Onne Oil and Gas Free Zone and the two seaports, the Federal Light Terminal and Federal Ocean Terminal, all in Onne. The road equally leads to the entire Ogoni axis, and some South-South states like Akwa Ibom and Cross River.
The deplorable condition of the road connecting the Ogoni Local GovernmentAreas of Khana, Gokana, Tai, and Eleme, as well as Ogu\Bolo, Okirika, Andoni and Opobo, has made access to the areas difficult. The road had deteriorated so severely that motorists would endure agonising journeys of up to seven hours to navigate a mere 20-minute stretch. The treacherous highway had claimed numerous lives, leaving behind a trail of shattered families and broken dreams.
Recognising the urgency of the situation, the Rivers State Government and several multinational companies operating in the area took the initiative to rehabilitate that portion of the expressway in 2015. Their collaborative effort focused on a six-kilometre stretch from Eleme Junction in Port Harcourt to the Onne exit point. The project, estimated to cost around N3 billion, aimed to address the dilapidated condition of the roadway, which had become a major impediment to economic activities and transportation.
In 2021, hundreds of youths under the auspices of the Ogoni Youth Federation (OYF), took over the Eleme-Onne axis of the East-West Road in a peaceful protest against the Federal Government’s alleged neglect of that fraction. The youths were said to have mobilised trucks to barricade the Akpajo and Refinery junction stretch, making it impossible for thousands of workers who journey through that route to get to their offices.
The tragic incident could have been prevented if Reynolds Construction Company (RCC), the firm handling the project, had taken adequate measures to manage traffic flow at the construction site by opening up alternative routes. The company’s negligence in this regard bears compelling responsibility for the unexpected event and the subsequent loss of lives. Consequently, RCC should be held accountable and face appropriate sanctions for its failure to plan out public safety.
In addition to holding the establishment responsible, the Federal Government has an obligation to provide compensation to the victims who suffered injuries and losses. This indemnity should not only cover medical expenses and loss of property but also provide for the emotional trauma and suffering endured by the affected individuals. The provision of financial assistance would demonstrate the administration’s commitment to supporting those who have been impacted by the adversity.
Furthermore, the federal authorities should reimburse the families of the deceased victims. Losing a loved one in such a senseless and devil-may-care manner is an immeasurable loss that deserves adequate financial recognition. The Nigerian government should acknowledge the pain and hardship experienced by these families and help them navigate the difficult road ahead by offering some sort of settlement.
Following that Friday’s tanker combustion, the Nigerian Governors’ Forum (NGF) released a statement, seeking safer methods of transporting petroleum products across the country. During a visit to commiserate with Governor Fubara, Chairman of the Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said that discussions were ongoing among the 36 state governors and strategic federal agencies in the oil and gas industry to achieve the objective.
We agree no less with the Forum. Petroleum exploration has revolutionised transportation across various sectors of human activity. The sheer volume of oil produced necessitates efficient and large-scale transportation methods, making rail and maritime freightage indispensable. The economic significance of oil transportation by these modes cannot be overstated, especially considering the potential risks and impracticalities of transporting vast quantities of petroleum via road.
Rail and maritime means of conveyance offer far more efficient and cost-effective solutions. Trains possess the capacity to transport large volumes of oil over long distances, while ships enable the haulage of even greater quantities across oceans. These modes provide a safe, reliable, and economically viable means of distributing petroleum to various regions of the world, meeting the demands of industries and individual consumers alike.
Finally, this catastrophe has highlighted the urgent need for the Rivers State Government to revitalise its inactive fire service. This can be achieved through the recruitment of qualified firefighters, extensive training, and the provision of modern firefighting equipment and vehicles. Besides responding to emergencies, a functional fire service would also carry out fire safety inspections and educate the public on preventing fires. Moreover, there should be an emergency management team to mitigate future disasters in the state.