In a move aimed at cushioning the impact of current economic hardships, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has approved a new minimum wage of N104,000 for the state’s civil servants. The announcement, made Tuesday night during a meeting with labor union leaders, is a significant increase from the previous N76,000.
The wage increase extends beyond civil servants to other key sectors. Doctors will now receive a minimum wage of N503,000, up from N215,000, while lecturers in tertiary institutions will see their wages increase from N119,000 to N222,000.
Governor Uzodimma highlighted that the decision was a direct response to the prevailing economic realities, emphasizing the importance of a strong, cordial relationship between the government and organized labor. “When workers are paid well, productivity rises, families are happier, and the local economy grows,” he stated. “This is our way of investing in Imo people.”
The governor also detailed the state’s improved financial health, crediting the resilience of civil servants for the growth in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). According to Uzodimma, the IGR has soared from N400 million to over N3 billion monthly. Similarly, federal allocations have increased from a range of N5 billion to N7 billion in 2020 to a current N14 billion.
The governor noted that these financial gains have enabled the government to tackle its debt profile, which has been reduced from over N280 billion to less than N100 billion. He also mentioned significant investments in rebuilding infrastructure, particularly roads, and in combating insecurity since he took office in 2020.
In a further show of commitment to worker welfare, Governor Uzodimma announced that the state government would begin paying the final batch of gratuities, amounting to N16 billion, to pensioners on August 27.
The governor also touched on his administration’s major reforms in the health sector, including health insurance schemes and the equipping of medical facilities. He urged labor unions to foster a collaborative relationship with the government, calling on workers to add value while steering clear of unethical practices and redundancy.
