By Haruna Gimba
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has approved a five per cent pay rise for the state’s health workers. Oshiomhole said the increment was for all health workers, including laboratory technicians, nurses and midwives. Health Reporters gathered that the state government had earlier this month also raised doctors’ salary by five per cent.
The governor announced the pay rise when he hosted members of the Joint Health Sector Union (JOHESU), who visited him at the Government House in Benin, the state capital.
“I asked you to come over because I know that two years ago, we had a wage review based on certain criteria which you preferred to call 90 per cent. But for me, that was what we were willing to pay and able to
pay at that time. I did say that when the situation improved, we would look at it and make some further upward adjustment.
“At that time, our main source of revenue, which is oil, was at about $60, $70 and $ 80 dollars per barrel. But today, it is hovering around $30 per barrel, but certainly under $40. Nobody knows what it is going to be next.
“However, I do recognise that for us to maintain our integrity in the eyes of our workers, when promises have been made in good faith, as much as possible, we should try to keep those promises,” Oshiomhole said.
