As Nigerian workers across the country marked the 2025 International Workers’ Day, popularly known as May Day, the atmosphere in Edo State was especially charged with celebration and renewed hope. This came following the bold announcement by Senator Monday Okpebholo, the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the upcoming Edo State elections, who pledged to increase the minimum wage for Edo State workers and implement a comprehensive welfare package if elected into office.

Addressing a large gathering of workers and union leaders at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium in Benin City, Okpebholo declared that he recognized the invaluable contributions of Edo State’s workforce and emphasized the urgent need to address their longstanding economic and social concerns. His announcement was met with loud cheers and applause from members of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), civil servants, and artisans who were in attendance.

Commitment to a Living Wage

In a clear, emphatic tone, Okpebholo promised that under his administration, the minimum wage in Edo State would not only meet the proposed national benchmark but exceed it to reflect the current economic realities facing Nigerian workers.

“I understand that our workers are struggling under the weight of inflation, rising costs of living, and stagnant wages. This is unacceptable. If elected, we will implement a minimum wage that is not just a number, but a true living wage—one that restores dignity and provides a decent standard of living for every Edo worker,” he said.

While he did not disclose a specific figure, Okpebholo assured the crowd that the new wage would be determined after consultations with labor unions, economic experts, and other stakeholders. He promised transparency in the process and committed to adjusting the wage regularly in line with economic shifts.

Beyond Wages: A Welfare-Centered Governance Approach

Okpebholo’s address extended beyond salary increases. He outlined a broader vision for improving the welfare of workers in Edo State, promising a “robust, people-centered policy framework” that would address core issues including health insurance, retirement benefits, housing, and professional development.

Among the policies he highlighted were:

• Affordable Housing Schemes: To address the growing housing crisis, Okpebholo pledged to introduce subsidized housing for low and middle-income workers, built through public-private partnerships.

• Universal Health Coverage: He stated his commitment to expanding access to quality healthcare through a strengthened state health insurance scheme that covers all categories of workers, including informal sector participants.

• Pension and Gratuity Reform: Okpebholo lamented the delays in pension payments and pledged to end the era of unpaid entitlements. He promised to overhaul the pension system to ensure timely and seamless payments for retirees.

• Skills Development: The governorship hopeful stressed the importance of continuous learning and capacity building. He proposed the creation of training centers in all three senatorial districts to equip workers with modern skills relevant to a digital economy.

A Pro-Worker Government

Throughout his speech, Okpebholo reiterated his intention to lead a government that prioritizes the well-being of workers, recognizing them as the engine that drives the state’s development.

“I am not just here to make promises. I am here because I believe in the dignity of labor. I believe that those who build our schools, staff our hospitals, sweep our streets, and work in our offices deserve respect, fairness, and opportunity,” he said.

He urged workers not to view the promises as mere campaign rhetoric but as a preview of what they should expect from a government genuinely committed to social justice and inclusive growth.

Reactions from Labour Unions

In response to Okpebholo’s address, Edo State chapter leaders of the NLC and TUC expressed cautious optimism. Comrade Sunny Osifo, chairman of the NLC in Edo, welcomed the promises and called on all political actors to prioritize labor issues in their manifestos.

“It’s encouraging to hear a candidate speak this passionately about the plight of workers. We hope these promises are backed by action if and when he gets into office,” Osifo said.

TUC Chairman Comrade Aigbokhan Emmanuel also lauded the gesture but emphasized the need for consistent engagement with labor unions and accountability in governance. “Workers want action, not just sweet words. We’ll hold every candidate to their promises,” he said.

Public Response and Political Implications

Okpebholo’s announcement has already begun to generate political buzz across the state. Supporters hailed the move as a bold step that positions him as a people-oriented candidate in the run-up to the September 2025 Edo governorship election. Some political analysts see the wage promise as a game-changer that could influence undecided voters, especially among civil servants and urban dwellers who have expressed fatigue with economic hardship.

However, critics from rival political camps have accused him of playing politics with labor welfare, questioning the feasibility of implementing such wage increases amid existing budgetary constraints. In response, Okpebholo maintained that his plans are backed by detailed economic studies and a proposed reform of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) mechanisms.

“We will expand the state’s revenue base without burdening the poor. It’s time we cut waste and invest in people,” he said.

Looking Ahead

As Edo workers celebrated May Day, Okpebholo’s speech stood out as one of the most consequential moments of the day’s festivities. The event not only showcased his plans for labor reform but also ignited a conversation around workers’ rights, living standards, and the role of leadership in creating equitable opportunities.

For many, it was a refreshing departure from traditional political platitudes. For others, it is a call to action to ensure that whoever emerges victorious in the forthcoming elections remains accountable to the promises made to the people.

Whether Senator Okpebholo’s promises will translate into policy remains to be seen, but one thing is certain—Edo workers are watching closely, and they expect more than just speeches. They want results, and they want them soon.