Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has approved a substantial increase in the minimum wage for civil servants — a much-needed relief amid rising living costs.
In a meeting with labor union leaders in Owerri on Tuesday night, the governor raised the baseline salary from ₦76,000 to ₦104,000 per month.
Other key wage hikes include doctors moving from ₦215,000 to ₦503,000, and university teachers receiving a boost from ₦119,000 to ₦222,000 respectively.
Speaking at the event, Governor Uzodimma acknowledged the multifaceted challenges his administration inherited: insecurity, the aftermath of COVID-19, economic hardship from reforms, and rising costs from subsidy removal.
He said, “When workers are paid well, productivity rises, families are happier, and the local economy grows. This is our way of investing in Imo people.” He highlighted that these wage reforms are part of a broader strategy to revive the state’s economy and improve citizens’ welfare.
The governor also shared some encouraging fiscal updates: monthly internally generated revenue had jumped from ₦400 million to over ₦3 billion, while federal allocations rose from ₦5–7 billion in 2020 to ₦14 billion now. Impressively, the state’s debt has been reduced from over ₦280 billion in 2020 to under ₦100 billion today.
He noted the significant infrastructure challenges faced in 2020 and affirmed the administration’s effort to rebuild sectors such as roads and health care. Among health reforms, a state health insurance scheme was introduced and facilities were upgraded to deliver improved medical services.
Ahead of the new pay, the governor confirmed the state would begin disbursing the final batch of gratuities, totaling ₦16 billion, to retired workers starting Wednesday, August 27.
Uzodimma ended by praising the labor unions and urging unity. “Our workers will benefit more when they are united,” he said, while also encouraging efficiency and ethical conduct across the workforce.
In response, Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Imo, called the pay hike a “victory for the entire workforce” and thanked the governor for restoring fairness. Trade Union Congress Chairman Uchenna Ibe also praised the “strong political will” that made this reform possible.
