Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has officially raised the minimum wage for civil servants in the state to N104,000, up from the previous N76,000. The announcement was made during a meeting with labour union leaders at the Government House in Owerri.
The governor also approved a significant increase in doctors’ salaries, doubling their minimum wage from N215,000 to N503,000. Additionally, salaries for tertiary institution teachers were raised from N119,000 to N222,000, reflecting the administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare.
Uzodimma acknowledged the challenges faced by Imo residents since his administration took office, including insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic hardships from reform policies, and disputes over minimum wage and subsidy removals. He stressed the importance of a cordial relationship between government and organised labour, emphasizing that better wages boost productivity, enhance family wellbeing, and stimulate the local economy.
The governor informed that Imo’s internally generated revenue (IGR) has increased from N400 million to over N3 billion monthly, while the state’s debt profile has reduced from over N280 billion in 2020 to less than N100 billion. He highlighted ongoing infrastructural developments and reforms in the health sector, including a newly initiated health insurance scheme and upgraded health facilities.
On August 27, the state will commence payment of N16 billion in outstanding gratuities owed to pensioners.
Labour leaders praised the wage increases as a victory for workers and promised to reciprocate with diligent public service. The new minimum wage places Imo among the states with the highest payments to civil servants in Nigeria.