Imo State has taken a bold step in worker welfare, as Governor Hope Uzodimma announced a significant increase in the minimum wage for civil servants to N104,000—one of the highest in Nigeria. The announcement, made during a meeting with labour union leaders at the Government House in Owerri, marks a new era of economic empowerment for public sector employees in the state.
The wage adjustment is not limited to civil servants. Doctors in Imo will now earn N503,000, up from N215,000, while salaries for tertiary institution teachers have risen from N119,000 to N222,000. Governor Uzodimma emphasized that these changes reflect his administration’s commitment to fostering a productive, motivated workforce and stimulating local economic growth.
Highlighting the state’s improved financial health, the governor noted that internally generated revenue has surged from N400 million to over N3 billion monthly, while the debt profile has dropped significantly. He credited these achievements, in part, to the federal government’s removal of fuel subsidy, which has increased state allocations and enabled reforms.
The governor also announced the commencement of payments for the last batch of gratuities owed to pensioners, totaling N16 billion, further demonstrating the administration’s dedication to worker welfare.
Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Imo State, hailed the new wage as a landmark victory for workers, assuring the governor of renewed dedication and efficiency from the state’s workforce.
With these sweeping reforms, Imo State is setting a new benchmark for worker compensation and public sector motivation in Nigeria.
