Imo State’s Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has pledged to be at the forefront of implementing the new minimum wage for civil servants.
He made this commitment during his May Day address at Rear Admiral Ndubuisi Kalu Square in Owerri, the state’s capital.
Recognizing the significant contributions of workers to the state’s progress, Governor Uzodimma assured that the new minimum wage would be put into effect as soon as the tripartite committee and the federal government reach a consensus.
“I am grateful for the support that the workers have shown to my administration since I took office in 2020. This has led to industrial peace in the State and, crucially, backed my reelection, securing a decisive victory across all 27 local government areas in Imo State. I will not take this support lightly; therefore, my administration will persistently prioritize the welfare and interests of the people,” he said.
The Governor outlined numerous welfare initiatives for Imo workers. These include the introduction of the new minimum wage, prompt salary payment, free transportation for commuting, a fully funded health insurance scheme, steps to mitigate the effects of fuel subsidy removal, and a salary increase to N40,000 for lower-level employees.
Governor Uzodimma reflected on his administration’s early decision to extend the service period for teachers from 60 to 65 years and from 35 to 40 years of service. The government also began paying gratuities to retired workers and embarked on a comprehensive renovation of the State Secretariat, among other achievements.
He stressed that these programs were implemented voluntarily, without any pressure from the workers. As the workers appreciated these initiatives, there was no need for industrial action in the State.
However, the Governor expressed his displeasure that “some workers collude with corrupt individuals to sabotage the government by stealing government property like land, generating fake invoices to embezzle government funds, and in many cases, establishing private businesses that distract them from serving the government wholeheartedly and honestly. The chaos I found in the ministry of land, for example, forced me to temporarily transfer the ministry to my office to restore the necessary order and trust.”
The Governor further stated: “The workers, the State Government, and the national leadership of the NLC are in agreement about what is best for them, contrary to previous assumptions. Nevertheless, I assure that my government will be among the first to implement the new minimum wage once the federal government and the tripartite committee reach an agreement on the issue.”
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Imo State Chapter, Comrade Uche Chigemezu Nwigwe, thanked the governor for addressing the concerns of Imo workers. He emphasized the immediate need to implement the approved promotion arrears for Imo workers. He advocated for a consequential salary adjustment for workers from grade levels 08 to 17 in accordance with the approved ₦30,000 minimum wage. He also requested the addition of more buses to the free bus fleet for Imo workers and encouraged the State to be among the first to implement the new national minimum wage once it is finalized.
