Imo Workers Celebrate As Gov Uzodimma Increases Minimum Wage To ₦104,000

Imo State governor, Hope Uzodimma, has approved a new minimum wage of ₦104,000 for civil servants in the state.

The governor, who disclosed this on Tuesday night during a meeting with labour union leaders at the Government House in Owerri, stated the new wage had increased from the previous ₦76,000 minimum.

Uzodimma also revealed that the salaries of doctors have been raised from ₦215,000 to ₦503,000, while lecturers in tertiary institutions will now earn ₦222,000 instead of ₦119,000.

Explaining the decision, the governor noted that Imo people have endured several difficulties since his administration began, including insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, harsh economic reforms, and disputes over wage adjustments and subsidy removal.

He stressed the importance of a strong relationship between government and labour unions, adding that well-paid workers are more productive, happier at home, and contribute positively to the local economy.

“There is no way any government will do well if it doesn’t have a friendly and cordial relationship with the organised labour,” NAN quoted him as saying.

“When workers are paid well, productivity rises, families are happier, and the local economy grows.

“This is our way of investing in Imo people. Government believes in stimulating political and economic activities, carrying bureaucrats along, and making sure that workers’ welfare is highly respected.”

The governor revealed that the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) had risen from ₦400 million to over ₦3 billion monthly, while its debt profile had dropped from ₦280 billion in 2020 to under ₦100 billion.

Uzodinma also argued that the removal of fuel subsidy by President Bola Tinubu, though tough on citizens, is starting to yield benefits for the country.

“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 said.

“What government is confronted with now is how to ensure that the dividends of that policy trickle down to the common man on the street.

“Cognisant of the fact that our effort has started yielding dividends and that our IGR had improved and that reform policies of the President has also increased our allocations to sub-national governments, every responsible government must be transparent about it.”

Uzodimma further announced that the state will begin paying the final batch of gratuities, amounting to ₦16 billion, owed to pensioners, starting August 27.

Reacting to the development, Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Imo, described the wage increase as a major win for workers.

He commended Uzodimma for easing the burden of economic hardship on civil servants and noted that Imo now ranks among the states with the highest minimum wage in the country.

“Today, no worker in Imo will say you (Uzodimma) have not been fair to us,” Nwigwe said, promising that employees would respond with greater commitment, efficiency, and dedication to their duties.

KanyiDaily recalls that Governor Monday Okpebholo recently increased the minimum wage for workers in Edo from ₦70,000 to ₦75,000, aiming to help improve their standard of living.