Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has approved a new minimum wage of N104,000 for civil servants in the state.
The governor announced the increase during a meeting with labour union leaders on Tuesday night at the Government House in Owerri. The new wage represents a jump from the previous N76,000.
In addition to the general increase, doctors’ minimum wage has been raised from N215,000 to N503,000, while tertiary institution lecturers will now earn N222,000, up from N119,000.
Governor Uzodimma said the upward review was in recognition of the economic challenges faced by workers, which have been compounded by insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, subsidy removal, and broader economic reforms.
“There is no way any government will do well if it doesn’t have a friendly and cordial relationship with organised labour. When workers are paid well, productivity rises, families are happier, and the local economy grows,” he stated.
He described the wage increase as part of his administration’s broader efforts to invest in people and stimulate political and economic activity in the state.
The governor also highlighted improvements in the state’s financial position, noting a significant rise in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from N400 million to over N3 billion monthly.
“In 2020, our monthly allocation was between N5 billion and N7 billion. Today, we receive up to N14 billion,” he said.
He added that the state’s debt profile had dropped from over N280 billion in 2020 to less than N100 billion, attributing the change to fiscal discipline and better resource management.
Uzodimma recalled that major infrastructure across sectors was in poor condition when he assumed office in 2020. He said his administration had invested heavily in rebuilding critical infrastructure, particularly roads, while also addressing insecurity.
He also acknowledged the impact of the fuel subsidy removal, calling it a tough but necessary decision by President Bola Tinubu.
“We’re beginning to see the dividends of that bold decision. What remains is to ensure those benefits reach the common man,” he said.
The governor further announced that the final batch of gratuity payments owed to pensioners—amounting to N16 billion—will begin on August 27.
He also noted ongoing reforms in the health sector, including the introduction of a health insurance scheme and the upgrading of medical facilities to provide world-class treatment for residents of Imo State.
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