Imo State Approves ₦104,000 Minimum Wage as Workers Hail Governor Uzodimma

In a move that has been met with resounding applause from organized labor, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has approved a new minimum wage of ₦104,000 for all civil servants in the state. The announcement, made during a meeting with leaders of labor unions at the Government House in Owerri on Tuesday, August 26, 2025, has positioned Imo as a leader in worker welfare across the federation.

The new wage is a significant jump from the previous ₦76,000 and comes at a time when negotiations for a new national minimum wage are ongoing. While the current national benchmark is ₦70,000, Imo’s decision to surpass it by a considerable margin has been hailed by workers as a major victory against the backdrop of economic hardship.

Speaking on behalf of the state’s workforce, the Imo State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, praised the governor’s gesture, describing it as a testament to his commitment to the welfare of the people. “Uzodimma has not only rescued workers from the economic challenges, but has also made Imo one of the highest-paying states in the federation,” Nwigwe said. “Today, no worker in Imo will say the governor has not been fair to us.”

In addition to the general wage increase, Governor Uzodimma also announced significant salary increments for specific sectors. The minimum wage for medical doctors was raised from ₦215,000 to ₦503,000, while that of lecturers in tertiary institutions was increased from ₦119,000 to ₦222,000. The governor further revealed that his administration would begin the payment of a ₦16 billion gratuity to clear the last batch of outstanding pensions.

Governor Uzodimma explained that the pay increases were made possible by a remarkable boost in the state’s financial standing. He noted that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has grown from about ₦400 million to over ₦3 billion monthly, while federal allocations have also increased. “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 state Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Uchenna Ibe, similarly lauded the governor for his “political will,” stating that the upward review of salaries and other projects directly impact workers. This development is expected to bolster the governor’s standing among the state’s workforce and serve as a benchmark for other state governments.