Governor Hope Uzodimma has raised Imo State’s minimum wage to N104,000, alongside major salary increases for doctors and lecturers, in a move praised by labour unions as a victory for workers.
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has approved a new minimum wage of N104,000 for civil servants, marking one of the highest wage increases by any state government in Nigeria.
Speaking at a meeting with labour union leaders in Owerri, Uzodimma explained that the wage rise was made possible by improved Internally Generated Revenue, which has grown from N400 million to over N3 billion monthly, alongside higher federal allocations. Doctors’ salaries were raised from N215,000 to N503,000, while lecturers in tertiary institutions will now earn N222,000, up from N119,000.
The governor said, “When workers are paid well, productivity rises, families are happier, and the local economy grows. This is our way of investing in Imo people.”
He noted that his administration inherited collapsed infrastructure and a debt burden of N280 billion in 2020, which has since reduced to under N100 billion. He also announced plans to release N16 billion to settle outstanding gratuities owed pensioners from August 27.
Uzodimma further highlighted reforms in health and entrepreneurship, including a health insurance scheme and participation in the Federal Government’s plan to establish 1,000 businesses per INEC ward.
Labour leaders hailed the governor’s decision, describing it as a milestone for Imo workers. State NLC Chairman, Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, said, “Today, no worker in Imo will say you (Uzodimma) have not been fair to us.”
The wage increase is expected to boost civil servants’ welfare, enhance productivity, and stimulate the state’s economy, making Imo one of the best-paying states in Nigeria.