Workers in Imo State will now earn N104,000 as minimum wage, as against N76,000 previously.
The state governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma who announced the wage increase during a meeting with labour union leaders on Tuesday night at the Government House in Owerri, also approved new salary scales for other categories of workers, including an increase in doctors’ minimum wage from N215,000 to N503,000, and lecturers in tertiary institutions from N119,000 to N222,000.
Uzodimma said the decision was part of his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare despite challenges the state had faced since 2020, including insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, subsidy removal, and economic hardship.
He noted that improved pay would enhance productivity, strengthen families, and boost the local economy.
According to him, the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has grown from N400 million to over N3 billion monthly, while federal allocations have also doubled.
The governor added that Imo’s debt profile, which stood at over N280 billion when he assumed office, has now been reduced to under N100 billion.
He further disclosed that payment of the final batch of N16 billion in gratuities owed to pensioners would begin on August 27.
Uzodinma highlighted reforms in the health sector, infrastructural projects, and state participation in the federal initiative to establish 1,000 businesses in each active INEC ward.
Labour leaders in the state commended the wage increase.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, described it as a “victory for the entire workforce,” praising Uzodimma for making Imo one of the states paying the highest minimum wage.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Uchenna Ibe, also lauded the governor’s “strong political will” in implementing the policy.
