Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has approved a new minimum wage of N104,000 for civil servants, marking a significant increase from the previous N76,000. The announcement was made during a meeting with labour union leaders on Tuesday night at the Government House in Owerri.

The governor also approved substantial salary hikes for specific groups, raising the minimum wage for doctors from N215,000 to N503,000 and for teachers in tertiary institutions from N119,000 to N222,000, among other adjustments. Uzodimma emphasised the importance of a cordial relationship with organised labour, stating, “When workers are paid well, productivity rises, families are happier, and the local economy grows. This is our way of investing in Imo people.”

Reflecting on the challenges faced since assuming office in 2020, Uzodimma cited insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic hardships from reform policies, and disputes over minimum wage and fuel subsidy removal. He highlighted significant improvements in the state’s finances, noting that the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has grown from N400 million to over N3 billion monthly, while federal allocations have increased from N5–7 billion in 2020 to N14 billion. The state’s debt profile has also been reduced from over N280 billion to less than N100 billion.

Uzodimma acknowledged the collapse of major infrastructure in 2020, stating that his administration has invested heavily in rebuilding roads and addressing insecurity. He also noted the impact of President Bola Tinubu’s fuel subsidy removal, which has raised living costs but is yielding dividends.

“What the government is confronted with now is how to ensure that the dividends of that policy trickle down to the common man,” he said, stressing transparency in utilising improved revenues to benefit citizens.

The governor announced that the state will begin paying the final N16 billion batch of gratuities owed to pensioners starting August 27. He also highlighted reforms in the health sector, including health insurance schemes and upgraded facilities to provide world-class treatment for Imo residents. Additionally, Uzodimma said his government has aligned with the Federal Government’s initiative to establish 1,000 businesses in every active INEC ward.

Urging labour unions to foster unity and maintain good relations with the government, Uzodimma called for increased productivity and cautioned workers against unethical practices and redundancy. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to prioritising workers’ welfare and stimulating economic growth in Imo State.

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