Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has approved a new minimum wage of ₦104,000 for civil servants, up from the previous ₦76,000.
The announcement was made during a meeting with labour union leaders on Tuesday night at the Government House in Owerri.
The salary increase extends beyond core civil servants, as other sectors also received significant adjustments:
Doctors: ₦215,000 → ₦503,000
Tertiary Institution Lecturers: ₦119,000 → ₦222,000
Governor Uzodimma stated that the wage review was aimed at alleviating the economic burden on workers, stressing that improved pay boosts morale, productivity, and stimulates local economic growth.
“When workers are paid well, productivity rises, families are happier, and the local economy grows. This is our way of investing in Imo people,” he said.
Reflecting on his administration’s journey since 2020, Uzodimma acknowledged challenges like insecurity, COVID-19, fuel subsidy removal, and labour disputes. He emphasized his government’s commitment to maintaining a cooperative relationship with organized labour.
He also shared some key economic improvements under his administration:
Internally Generated Revenue: From ₦400 million to over ₦3 billion monthly
FAAC Allocations: ₦5-₦7 billion in 2020 → about ₦14 billion
Debt Profile: Reduced from ₦280 billion to under ₦100 billion
The governor recognized the hardship caused by subsidy removal but expressed optimism about its long-term benefits.
“It is a thing of joy that we have started seeing the dividends of that bold decision of President Bola Tinubu to remove fuel subsidy,” he noted.
In addition, Uzodimma announced that the final batch of pensioners’ gratuities totaling ₦16 billion would be paid starting August 27. He also highlighted ongoing reforms, including a state health insurance scheme, upgraded health facilities, and support for small businesses in all active INEC wards.
He called on labour unions to maintain unity with the government and urged workers to uphold professionalism and avoid misconduct.
Responding to the announcement, the Imo State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, hailed the wage increase as a significant victory for workers.
“You rescued us from economic challenges and placed Imo among the highest-paying states in Nigeria,” he said.
Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Uchenna Ibe, also praised the governor’s political will and dedication to workers’ welfare.
