Governor Uzodimma Approves ₦104,000 Minimum Wage for Imo State Workers

In a landmark decision aimed at cushioning the effects of economic hardship on workers, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has approved a new minimum wage of ₦104,000 for civil servants. The announcement, made during a late-night meeting with leaders of labour unions at the Government House, Owerri, marks one of the most significant salary adjustments in the state’s history and positions Imo among the highest-paying states in Nigeria.

The new minimum wage represents a substantial jump from the previous ₦76,000, with other categories of workers also benefiting from upward reviews. The governor described the move as both a moral responsibility and a strategic economic policy designed to boost productivity and improve the quality of life for workers.

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Wage Increase Across Sectors

Under the revised structure, doctors in the state will now earn a minimum of ₦503,000, up from ₦215,000. Teachers in tertiary institutions will see their salaries rise from ₦119,000 to ₦222,000. Governor Uzodimma said the increments were carefully considered to address pressing financial challenges and to retain skilled professionals within the state’s workforce.

“When workers are paid well, productivity rises, families are happier, and the local economy grows. This is our way of investing in Imo people,” the governor explained.

The announcement has been widely praised by labour leaders, who described it as a major victory for workers at a time when inflation, rising costs of living, and the impact of fuel subsidy removal have strained household incomes across Nigeria..

Challenges and Economic Reforms

Governor Uzodimma used the occasion to reflect on the hurdles his administration has faced since assuming office in 2020. He pointed to insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, fuel subsidy removal, and recurring disputes with organised labour as major challenges that shaped his governance approach.

Despite these obstacles, the governor highlighted significant progress in the state’s financial management. According to him, Imo’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has grown from ₦400 million in 2020 to over ₦3 billion monthly, while allocations from the Federation Account have nearly doubled, rising from ₦5–₦7 billion to about ₦14 billion.

He also disclosed that the state’s debt profile, which stood at ₦280 billion in 2020, had been reduced to less than ₦100 billion, a feat he attributed to prudent fiscal management and improved accountability.

Uzodimma further addressed the fuel subsidy removal, acknowledging the hardship it has caused but maintaining that the policy is crucial for long-term economic stability.

“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. 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,” he said.

Gratuities, Health Care, and Economic Initiatives

As part of broader reforms, the governor announced that the state government would begin paying the final tranche of gratuities owed to pensioners—amounting to ₦16 billion—on August 27. He said this was part of his administration’s commitment to ensuring that retirees who dedicated years of service to the state are not left behind in its development agenda.

In healthcare, the governor revealed that a state health insurance scheme has been introduced, alongside investments in equipping health facilities to improve service delivery. Imo State has also keyed into the Federal Government’s initiative of establishing 1,000 businesses in every active INEC ward, a move Uzodimma described as critical to empowering youths and reducing unemployment.

Partnership With Labour

Uzodimma emphasized the importance of a strong relationship between government and organised labour. He said no administration can succeed without the cooperation of workers, and urged civil servants to embrace transparency, shun unethical practices, and commit to productivity.

“We tried as a government to always put it behind our mind that there is no way any government will do well if it doesn’t have a friendly and cordial relationship with the organised labour,” he stated.

The governor further assured that transparency in resource allocation would remain a guiding principle in sustaining reforms and improving workers’ welfare.

Labour Leaders React

The announcement has been warmly received by labour unions in Imo State. The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, hailed the governor’s decision as a life-changing step for workers.

“Today, no worker in Imo will say you (Uzodimma) have not been fair to us. You rescued us from economic challenges and placed Imo among the highest-paying states in Nigeria,” Nwigwe said, while praying for the governor’s protection and pledging workers’ loyalty and diligence in return.

Similarly, the Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Uchenna Ibe, commended Uzodimma’s “strong political will” in raising wages and implementing reforms despite the difficult economic environment.

Observers say the wage increase, coupled with the governor’s broader economic policies, could significantly improve living standards in Imo State and serve as a model for other states struggling to balance fiscal sustainability with worker welfare.

For civil servants, teachers, doctors, and pensioners alike, the policy signals a new era of improved livelihoods and renewed confidence in government commitment to the people.