Nigeria Creates 8,000 Jobs in One Year Under New Governor

A Nigerian state just proved that governments can create thousands of good jobs quickly when they choose people over consultants.

Edo State hired more than 8,000 civil and public servants in the 12 months since Governor Monday Okpebholo took office in November 2024. The administration focused on rebuilding the workforce by bringing jobs back in-house instead of outsourcing to private contractors.

The changes hit home hardest for cleaners who previously worked through consulting firms. The state ended those contracts and hired 1,000 cleaners directly as full-time employees. Their monthly pay jumped from roughly $12-17 to $50, and they gained job security for the first time.

The health sector absorbed over 2,000 new workers, while schools hired more than 6,000 teachers. Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, Edo State's Head of Service, called the hiring wave unprecedented in the state's history.

The governor raised the minimum wage to 75,000 naira (about $50) on May 1, 2025, without pressure from labor unions. Workers now receive their salaries on time each month, plus a 13th-month bonus. When employees pass away, their families get death benefits quickly, and their children receive scholarship support.

First-class university graduates from Edo State get automatic government jobs under a new program. The state also sponsors them for master's degrees and pays stipends while they study.

The Ripple Effect

The administration increased monthly funding to Ambrose Alli University from 41 million to 500 million naira, a 12-fold jump that stabilized operations. Edo State University saw its budget rise from 100 million to 250 million naira.

The government released 4.6 billion naira to pay pension entitlements for 714 former college staff members who had been waiting for their money. Workers at the state broadcasting service and polytechnic finally received back pay that had been overdue for years.

The transformation extends beyond paychecks. The state hired a visually impaired lawyer, showing commitment to inclusive employment. New training programs help workers develop specialized skills, while an e-governance platform brings transparency to how the civil service operates.

By choosing to employ people directly instead of paying consultants, Edo State turned the same budget into thousands of stable careers with benefits and dignity.