We Can’t Survive With ₦17,800 Salary – Edo Street Cleaners Protest

Category: Nigeria News

Women engaged by the Edo State Government to sweep the major streets of Benin, the state capital, on Monday protested their ₦17,800 monthly take home pay.

The women in their large numbers and dressed in their coverall work jackets, were armed with placards with different inscriptions, such as: We are tired of ₦17,800 monthly payment; increase our salaries.

Mrs Gloria Efosa who spoke for the protesting women, told journalists at the NUJ secretariat in Benin, that they have been receiving N17,800 since the time of former Governor Adams Oshiomhole’s administration.

She further disclosed that when they have approached the General Manager of Edo State Waste Management Board, Mr Charles Imariagbe, he told them that Governor Godwin Obaseki said they do not have employment letters, and so, does not recognized them as his workers.

She said: “Since Obaseki became governor, we have been working with the minimum wage that Comrade Adams Oshiomhole administration approved.

“When we went to the General Manager of the Waste Management Board, (Mr Charles Imariagbe), he told us that, we don’t have employment letters and that Obaseki said that he does not know us as his workers.

“But if they want to do anything, they will come and pack us to go do cleaning for them.”

She continued: “On Saturday, July 1, after we have finished doing our job, they came, packed us to go and clean up dirt in New Benin Market. After they have used us to do the dirty job, we wanted to talk of the poor payment, but they did not allow us talk about it and that is why we are here.

“With the Nigerian economic situation, what will somebody buy with N17,000. If you have five children, how do you pay rent, school fees and feed with N17,000.

“That is why we are here, they even blocked us at Urokpota Hall. A woman blocked us on the road and told us that if we protest to government house, we are going to lose our jobs. We are tired, that is why we are here.”

Mrs. Efosa also disclosed that till date, nothing has been given to the family of one of their colleagues who was crushed to death while on duty on the 18th of April, 2023.

“One of our colleagues was crushed by a hit-and-run car, while on duty on the 18th of April. She was taken to UBTH mortuary, but they rejected it, because she was badly crushed and nothing has been given to the family,” she added.

When contacted, the General Manager , Edo State Waste Management Board, Mr Charles Imariagbe, said the matter is before them and that they are considering increasing the take home of the street sweepers.