Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has, within nine months of assuming office, embarked on historic reforms that are reshaping the civil and public service into one of the most professional and efficient in the country.
Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, who is driving the reforms on behalf of the governor, described the development as a bold commitment to building a stronger service for the State. According to him, “the civil service is the engine room of governance and a critical driver of the SHINE Agenda.” He added that Governor Okpebholo has shown “unusual attention to the workforce, making it clear that the administration’s promise of renewal cannot be realized without a motivated, professional, and well-resourced civil service.”
One of the most notable decisions under the reforms is the governor’s move to abolish outsourced cleaning contracts and instead employ 1,000 cleaners directly as civil servants. The new workers are now entitled to job security, dignity, and full protection under civil service rules. Governor Okpebholo explained that the decision was sustainable as funds spent on contractors could now cover direct employment at the new minimum wage of ₦75,000.
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The government has also recruited close to 2,000 new staff across essential sectors such as health, education, and agriculture. This brings the total number of new employees in less than a year to over 3,000. More than 1,300 health workers have been absorbed into the Hospitals Management Agency, while the EdoSTAR teachers, numbering over 4,000, have been made permanent staff, giving them stability and recognition in the system.
Further approvals have been granted for the employment of graduate doctors, health personnel, and agricultural extension officers to address urgent workforce gaps. Recruitment in the education sector is also ongoing to complement the administration’s large-scale investment in school infrastructure.
The Civil Service Commission has been reconstituted and tasked with clearing the backlog of promotions. Promotions will now be merit-based through the Edo-PREP system, a reform that ensures competence and excellence are rewarded.
On workers’ welfare, the administration has sustained the policy of paying salaries promptly on or before the 26th of every month. In December 2024, workers also received a 13th-month wage. Edo is now among only three States in Nigeria implementing a ₦75,000 minimum wage, a policy described as life-changing for workers and their families.
Pensioners are also benefitting from the reforms, with ₦300 million released monthly for gratuities, ₦1 billion dedicated to clearing arrears dating back to 2012, and over ₦65 million paid in insurance claims to families of deceased staff.
Significant investments have also been directed towards infrastructure and institutional renewal. Governor Okpebholo has ordered the renovation of Government buildings on Ezoti Street to house Ministries and Agencies. He has further approved the rehabilitation of resident doctors’ quarters to improve living and working conditions.
Beyond physical infrastructure, reforms such as the introduction of a Civil Service Anthem, a new dress code, and the institutionalization of Civil Service Week have rekindled pride, identity, and dignity within the service.
“Governor Okpebholo sees, he acts, and he takes responsibility. He is not only reforming structures but rebuilding confidence and restoring value in public service,” Dr. Okungbowa said. He added that Edo State is positioning its civil service as a national model of professionalism and efficiency.
With the Edo-PREP blueprint at its foundation, the administration has set the course for long-term sustainability of the reforms. Dr. Okungbowa noted, “With His Excellency’s vision and political will, these reforms are not just ambitious. They are achievable. The nation is watching, and Edo is setting the pace.”
The Edo State Government has assured workers, pensioners, and the public of its unwavering commitment to the SHINE Agenda, pledging to continue implementing policies that guarantee people-centered governance and better living standards for citizens.
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