Nigeria's Edo State Creates 8,000 Jobs in One Year

More than 8,000 people in Nigeria's Edo State now have stable government jobs thanks to an unprecedented hiring push that transformed how the region employs its workers.

Governor Monday Okpebholo took office in November 2024 with a clear mission: end the practice of outsourcing government work to consultants and hire workers directly instead. Within 12 months, his administration created jobs across healthcare, education, and essential services while dramatically improving wages for existing workers.

The most striking change came for cleaners who previously worked through consulting companies. The state eliminated the outsourcing 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 hiring spree focused heavily on essential services. Over 6,000 new teachers joined schools across Edo's 18 local government areas. Another 2,000 workers filled healthcare positions, bringing fresh staff to hospitals and clinics throughout the state.

Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, Edo's Head of Service, called the achievement unprecedented in the state's history. He noted that Governor Okpebholo began implementing changes immediately after taking office, insisting that career civil servants handle core government responsibilities rather than outside contractors.

The administration also launched a First-Class Graduate Scheme that offers automatic employment to top students from Edo. These graduates receive state-funded master's degree scholarships and monthly stipends while they study.

University funding saw massive increases too. Ambrose Alli University's monthly allocation jumped from $27,000 to over $330,000. The governor also released $3 million to pay pension entitlements for 714 former education workers and cleared long-standing salary debts at multiple state colleges.

Workers across the state now receive regular monthly salaries, annual 13th-month bonuses, and the new minimum wage that took effect in May 2025 without labor pressure. The administration even hired a visually impaired lawyer, demonstrating commitment to inclusive employment.

The Ripple Effect

When thousands of families suddenly have stable paychecks and higher wages, entire communities benefit. Teachers can focus on education instead of worrying about late payments. Healthcare workers stay in their positions rather than seeking opportunities elsewhere. Cleaners earning livable wages can better support their children's education and household needs.

The shift from consultant-managed outsourcing to direct government employment means workers build long-term careers with benefits and pension rights. Money that once flowed to consulting companies now goes directly into workers' pockets and back into local economies.

Edo's approach shows how government reform can create immediate, tangible improvements in people's lives.