Gov. Okpebholo Implements Bold Reforms, Transforms Edo Civil Service in Record Time

In just nine months in office, Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has rolled out sweeping reforms that are repositioning the State’s civil and public service as one of the most efficient and professional in the country.

Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, hailed the Governor’s “visionary commitment to the engine room of governance,” stressing that Okpebholo has given “unusual attention to the workforce, making it clear that the SHINE Agenda cannot succeed without a motivated, professional and well-resourced civil service.”

One of the standout reforms is the Governor’s decision to abolish outsourced cleaning contracts and directly employ 1,000 cleaners as civil servants. This initiative guarantees job security, dignity of labour, and protection under civil service rules, with salaries pegged at the new ₦75,000 minimum wage.

Beyond that, over 3,000 new workers have been recruited across key sectors. This includes close to 2,000 fresh hands in health, education, and agriculture, more than 1,300 health professionals absorbed into the Hospitals Management Agency, and over 4,000 EdoSTAR teachers made permanent staff. Recruitment of graduate doctors, agricultural extension officers, and more teachers is ongoing to fill critical workforce gaps.

Governor Okpebholo has also reconstituted the Civil Service Commission to clear promotion backlogs through the Edo-PREP merit-based system, ensuring that competence and excellence are rewarded.

On welfare, Edo remains among only three States in Nigeria paying a ₦75,000 minimum wage, alongside prompt monthly salaries, a 13th-month wage in December, and consistent pension and gratuity settlements. Over ₦300 million is released monthly for gratuities, ₦1 billion allocated to clear arrears dating back to 2012, and ₦65 million in insurance claims paid to families of deceased workers.

Infrastructure renewal has not been left out, with Government buildings on Ezoti Street being renovated to house Ministries and Agencies, and doctors’ quarters undergoing rehabilitation. New reforms such as a Civil Service Anthem, dress code, and the institutionalization of Civil Service Week are restoring dignity and pride among workers.

Dr. Okungbowa summed up the Governor’s approach: “Governor Okpebholo sees, he acts, and he takes responsibility. He is not only reforming structures but rebuilding confidence and restoring value in public service. Edo is now positioning its civil service as a national model of professionalism and efficiency.”

With the Edo-PREP blueprint as its anchor, the administration says it is consolidating the gains and setting the Edo Civil Service on track to becoming the finest in Nigeria.