Uzodimma Approves N104,000 Minimum Wage for Imo Workers

Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has approved a new minimum wage of N104,000 for civil servants, up from the previous N76,000.

The announcement was made Tuesday evening at the Government House, Owerri, during a meeting with representatives of several labor unions.

Alongside the general wage review, the governor announced significant salary boosts for professionals:

• Doctors: Raised from N215,000 to N503,000

• Tertiary lecturers: Raised from N119,000 to N222,000

• Other categories of workers also received reviewed pay packages

Uzodimma said the adjustments reflect his administration’s belief that “when workers are paid well, productivity rises, families are happier, and the local economy grows.”

The governor noted that Imo residents have faced insecurity, COVID-19, subsidy removal impacts, and economic reforms since he assumed office.

He emphasized that a healthy relationship with organized labor is key to governance:

“This is our way of investing in Imo people. We want to stimulate economic activity while respecting workers’ welfare.”

Uzodimma highlighted improvements in state finances since 2020:

• Internally Generated Revenue (IGR): Increased from N400 million to over N3 billion monthly

• Federal allocation: Grew from N5–7 billion in 2020 to N14 billion

• Debt profile: Reduced from over N280 billion to less than N100 billion

He added that significant funds had been directed toward road repairs, infrastructure upgrades, and addressing insecurity.

The governor defended President Tinubu’s decision to remove fuel subsidy, saying it created resources that must benefit ordinary Nigerians.

“Every responsible government must be transparent. The dividends of reform policies must trickle down to the common man.”

Uzodimma announced that N16 billion in gratuities owed to state pensioners would be paid on August 27.

He also pointed to reforms in the health sector, including health insurance programs and new medical facilities, to improve services for Imo residents.

Urging labor unions to maintain positive relations, the governor called on workers to embrace value addition, discipline, and avoid job duplication.