The Governor of Imo State, Sen. 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.
The governor announced the upward review on 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.
The governor also reviewed upwards, doctors’ minimum wage from ₦215,000 to ₦503,000, while that of lecturers and other tertiary institution workers were increased from ₦119,000 to ₦222,000.
This marks a significant jump from the previous ₦76,000 minimum wage.
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.
“This is our way of investing in Imo people. We believe in stimulating economic activity while ensuring the welfare of our workforce,” Uzodimma said.
He acknowledged the hardship workers have faced in recent years, citing insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, subsidy removal, and minimum wage disputes.
He commended 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.”
