Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has sanctioned a new minimum wage of N104,000 for the state’s civil servants, a significant increase from the previous N76,000.
The announcement was made during a Tuesday night meeting with labor union leaders at the Government House in Owerri, as reported by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
Additionally, Uzodimma raised the minimum wage for doctors from N215,000 to N503,000 and for tertiary institution teachers from N119,000 to N222,000.
He highlighted the economic challenges faced by Imo residents since his administration began, including insecurity, the COVID-19 crisis, and economic reforms like fuel subsidy removal.
“A government thrives when it maintains a strong bond with organized labor,” Uzodimma stated, emphasizing that fair wages boost productivity, family well-being, and the local economy.
“This is our commitment to uplifting Imo’s people and stimulating economic growth,” he added.
The governor noted a remarkable rise in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), from N400 million to over N3 billion monthly, alongside an increase in federal allocations from N5–7 billion in 2020 to N14 billion currently.
He also reduced the state’s debt from over N280 billion to under N100 billion.
“When I took office, infrastructure across sectors was in ruins,” Uzodimma said, detailing efforts to rebuild roads and tackle insecurity.
Addressing the impact of fuel subsidy removal, he acknowledged its challenges but highlighted its benefits.
“We’re now seeing the rewards of President Bola Tinubu’s bold decision,” he said, stressing the need to ensure these benefits reach ordinary citizens.
Uzodimma also announced that on August 27, 2025, the state will begin clearing the final N16 billion in gratuity owed to pensioners.
Further reforms include a health insurance scheme and upgraded medical facilities to provide top-tier healthcare.
The state has also aligned with the Federal Government’s initiative to establish 1,000 businesses per INEC ward.
Urging labor unions to foster collaboration, Uzodimma called for greater worker efficiency and warned against unethical practices.
In response, Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, Imo’s Nigeria Labour Congress Chairman, hailed the wage increase as “a triumph for all workers in the state.”
He praised Uzodimma for positioning Imo among the highest-paying states for minimum wage, stating, “No worker can claim you’ve been unfair.” Similarly, Uchenna Ibe, Trade Union Congress Chairman, commended the governor’s “bold leadership in driving major projects, including this wage hike.”
Both leaders pledged improved productivity in appreciation of the administration’s efforts. (NAN)
