Edo Gov, increases workers' minimum wage, approves three days work a week

 

In response to the removal of fuel subsidies and the subsequent increase in fuel prices, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has made the decision to reduce the number of work days for civil and public servants in the state.

In a statement released on Tuesday, according to PUNCH, Governor Obaseki expressed his commitment to mitigating the effects of the fuel price increase on the citizens of Edo State.

He acknowledged the significant impact the policy had on transportation costs and the wages of workers. As a result, the Edo State Government has decided to reduce the number of work days from the conventional five days a week to three days a week for civil and public servants.

This reduction in work days aims to reduce commuting expenses for employees, ultimately easing the financial burden on workers and their families. The government is also actively working on expanding the EdoBEST@Home initiative, which will provide more virtual classes for teachers and students. This initiative will help reduce the cost of commuting for parents, teachers, and pupils. The Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) will provide further details on this initiative in the coming days.

While implementing measures to alleviate the impact of the fuel price increase, Governor Obaseki urged the people of Edo State to remain calm and continue their daily activities lawfully.

The government said it is keenly aware of the challenges faced by its citizens and is taking proactive steps to address them. As part of these efforts, the minimum wage paid to workers in Edo State has already been increased from N30, 000 to N40, 000, making it the highest minimum wage in the country.

Governor Obaseki further assured the people of Edo State that the increased minimum wage would be sustained. Furthermore, he expressed hope that the state' s allocation from the Federal Government would increase, allowing for even higher wages in the future. The expected savings from the removal of fuel subsidies could potentially contribute to this increase.

The decision to reduce work days in Edo State comes just a day after the Kwara State Government implemented a similar measure. The astronomical hike in transport fares prompted the Kwara State Government to direct that work days be reduced from five days to three days per week for all workers in the state. The State Head of Service, Mrs. Susan Oluwole, instructed the heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to develop a schedule outlining the alternating work days for each employee under their jurisdiction.

The temporary reduction in work days in both Edo and Kwara states aims to ease the burden on public workers and minimize the financial strain caused by increased transportation costs. These measures demonstrate the commitment of the state governments to prioritize the welfare of their citizens and provide immediate relief in the face of economic challenges.