IMO State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has approved a new minimum wage of ₦104,000 for civil servants in the state, making Imo one of the highest-paying states in Nigeria.
News Point Nigeria reports that the governor announced the upward review late Tuesday during a meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and other labour bodies at the Government House in Owerri.
This marks a significant jump from the previous ₦76,000 minimum wage. Salaries across various sectors were also reviewed upwards — doctors’ minimum wage rose from ₦215,000 to ₦503,000, while that of lecturers and other tertiary institution workers increased from ₦119,000 to ₦222,000.
Governor Uzodimma explained that the decision followed sustained growth in the state’s economy. According to him, Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has grown from ₦400 million to over ₦3 billion monthly, while federal allocations to Imo have doubled from about ₦5–₦7 billion in 2020 to ₦14 billion currently.
He also revealed that the state’s debt profile had dropped from ₦280 billion in 2020 to less than ₦100 billion, freeing up more resources for development and workers’ welfare.
“When workers are paid well, productivity rises, families are happier, and the local economy grows,” Uzodimma said. “This is our way of investing in Imo people. We believe in stimulating economic activity while ensuring the welfare of our workforce.”
The governor acknowledged the hardship workers have faced in recent years, citing insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, subsidy removal, and minimum wage disputes. He praised President Bola Tinubu’s bold decision to remove fuel subsidy but admitted the challenge now was ensuring its dividends trickle down to ordinary citizens.
“It is a thing of joy that we have started seeing the benefits of subsidy removal. Our duty is to ensure that the gains reach the common man,” he stated.
Uzodimma also disclosed that beginning August 27, his administration will release the last tranche of ₦16 billion owed in gratuities to pensioners, settling a long-standing liability.
He highlighted reforms in the health sector, including the introduction of a health insurance scheme and the upgrade of hospitals with modern equipment. He added that Imo had also joined the Federal Government’s 1,000 businesses per INEC ward initiative, aimed at job creation and youth empowerment.
The announcement sparked jubilation among labour unions.
Imo NLC Chairman, Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, described the wage increase as “a historic victory for the entire workforce.”
“Today, no worker in Imo will say Governor Uzodimma has not been fair to us. He has rescued us from the economic hardship,” Nwigwe said, pledging workers’ loyalty and improved productivity.
Similarly, the Imo TUC Chairman, Uchenna Ibe, commended the governor’s political will, noting that the wage rise and other reforms “prove his commitment to workers’ welfare and development.”
While urging workers to reciprocate with diligence, Uzodimma cautioned against unethical practices and redundancy in the civil service.
“Workers must add value to government’s investments. When labour and government work together in sincerity, Imo will continue to prosper,” he said.