Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, announced that the government managed to pay the new N70,000 minimum wage to its workers and fund numerous developmental projects through savings from reduced governance costs.

In a statement from Benin City on Monday, Obaseki explained that the state planned for the minimum wage three years ago when economic warning signs appeared.

He stated, “I am able to pay N70,000 because two or three years ago, I raised an alarm about our resorting to massive borrowings, which would be inflationary in the long run. I predicted a massive devaluation of our currency.”

To address these challenges, Obaseki focused on creating a more efficient economy, reducing governance costs, and enhancing productivity.

He highlighted several initiatives, including a Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) to supply 5-10 megawatts of power for government offices and street lights, reducing diesel expenses. Additionally, a fleet management service consolidates government transport, cutting operational costs significantly.

Obaseki emphasized the importance of investing in people and technology. “The savings I’m making from that, I’m saying, you know what, my most valuable assets are my people, let me pay them more and get more productivity out of them,” he said. Investments in technology, such as a 2000-kilometer fiber optic network and telemedicine, have improved educational and healthcare outcomes across the state.

On security, Obaseki attributed Edo’s status as the safest state in the South-South region to a strengthened security architecture. The government’s focus on decentralizing and democratizing security has involved over 15,000 vigilante operatives in community policing across the state’s 18 local government areas. This approach has enhanced safety, fostering an environment conducive to business and investment.

“We have community participation in our policing. We have up to 15,000 men as vigilantes policing the various communities in the State. We trained them with the assistance of the Federal security agencies; we equipped them with communication devices and have invested in surveillance equipment,” Obaseki stated. The use of surveillance cameras and a Command and Control Center ensures rapid response to incidents.

Obaseki reassured that despite challenges such as cultism, the government is actively partnering with security agencies to combat criminal activities. He noted, “If you’re spending the night, just drive around town, you will see that people stay out late doing their business. So, we’ve managed security and it’s much better. It’s not affecting business as it did 6-7 years ago. The night economy in Edo, particularly in Benin, is thriving.”

The governor’s comprehensive approach to governance and security has resulted in increased investor confidence, leading to enhanced economic activities and revenue growth for the state.