Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has approved a new minimum wage of N104,000 for state civil servants, up from the previous N76,000.
The announcement came during a Tuesday night meeting with labor union leaders at the Government House in Owerri, according to the news reports.
Additionally, Uzodimma raised the minimum wage for doctors from N215,000 to N503,000 and for tertiary institution teachers from N119,000 to N222,000.
He highlighted the economic challenges faced by Imo residents since his administration began, including insecurity, the COVID-19 crisis, and economic reforms like fuel subsidy removal.
“A government thrives when it maintains a strong bond with organized labor,” Uzodimma stated, emphasizing that fair wages boost productivity, family well-being, and the local economy.
“This is our commitment to uplifting Imo’s people and stimulating economic growth,” he added.
The governor noted a remarkable rise in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), from N400 million to over N3 billion monthly, alongside an increase in federal allocations from N5–7 billion in 2020 to N14 billion currently.
He also reduced the state’s debt from over N280 billion to under N100 billion.
“When I took office, infrastructure across sectors was in ruins,” Uzodimma said, detailing efforts to rebuild roads and tackle insecurity.
Addressing the impact of fuel subsidy removal, he acknowledged its challenges but highlighted its benefits.
“We’re now seeing the rewards of President Bola Tinubu’s bold decision,” he said, stressing the need to ensure these benefits reach ordinary citizens.
Uzodimma also announced that on August 27, 2025, the state will begin clearing the final N16 billion in gratuity owed to pensioners.
More reforms
More further reforms were also revealed which include a health insurance scheme and upgraded medical facilities to provide top-tier healthcare.
According to National Accord, “the state has also aligned with the Federal Government’s initiative to establish 1,000 businesses per INEC ward.”
Urging labor unions to foster collaboration, Uzodimma called for greater worker efficiency and warned against unethical practices.
Imo State’s Nigeria Labour Congress Chairman, Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, described the wage increase as a victory for all workers, noting that it places the state among the highest-paying in the country.
He commended Governor Uzodimma for ensuring fairness to workers, while his counterpart, Uchenna Ibe of the Trade Union Congress, praised the governor’s bold leadership in executing major projects, including the wage review.
Both union leaders assured the government of greater productivity from workers as a show of appreciation for the administration’s efforts.
