Nigerian Governor approves N104,000 minimum wage
Uzodinma
Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has approved a new minimum wage of N104,000 for civil servants in the state. The governor made the announcement during a meeting with leaders of organised labour on Tuesday night at the Government House, Owerri.
The new wage represents an increase from the previous N76,000. Doctors’ minimum wage was also raised from N215,000 to N503,000, while lecturers in tertiary institutions will now earn N222,000, up from N119,000.
Uzodimma said the wage adjustment was part of efforts to cushion the economic hardship facing workers, noting that Imo had contended with insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, fuel subsidy removal, and wage disputes since 2020.
He stressed that his administration places high priority on workers’ welfare, describing the increment as “an investment in Imo people.” According to him, “when workers are paid well, productivity rises, families are happier, and the local economy grows.”
The governor disclosed that the state’s 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. He also noted that the state’s debt profile had dropped from N280 billion to below N100 billion.
Uzodimma further announced that payment of the last batch of gratuities, amounting to N16 billion, would begin on August 27. He highlighted reforms in the health sector, including the launch of a health insurance scheme and the upgrade of facilities to ensure better services.
Reacting, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Imo, Mr. Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, described the wage increase as “a victory for the entire workforce.” He praised the governor for making Imo one of the highest-paying states and assured that workers would repay the gesture with greater diligence and commitment.
Similarly, the state Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Uchenna Ibe, commended Uzodimma for his political will in implementing pro-worker policies, urging labour unions to strengthen cooperation with government to sustain industrial harmony.
