In a bold move to improve workers’ welfare and stimulate the state economy, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has increased the minimum wage for civil servants in the state to ₦104,000, representing a significant rise above the current national minimum wage benchmark of ₦75,000.
The announcement was made on Tuesday during a meeting with the state labour force at the Government House, Owerri, where the governor unveiled sweeping reforms in the state’s salary structure for key sectors, including health and education.
Beyond the new minimum wage, Governor Uzodimma disclosed that medical doctors in the state civil service will now earn ₦533,000 monthly, a move aimed at retaining skilled health professionals and reducing brain drain in the sector.
For lecturers in state-owned tertiary institutions, the new entry-level salary has been pegged at ₦222,000, signalling a major step towards improving academic standards and addressing long-standing agitation over poor remuneration in the education sector.
Governor Uzodimma attributed the upward review to improvements in the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR) and an increase in federal allocations. According to him, prudent financial management and economic reforms undertaken by his administration created the fiscal space to implement the new salary structure without jeopardising the state’s financial stability.
“Our government has worked hard to improve revenue generation and plug leakages. With improved inflows and efficient fiscal management, we can now give our workers what they truly deserve,” he said.
The governor explained that the new wage structure is designed to boost the morale of civil servants, enhance productivity, and stimulate economic activity across the state. He noted that higher wages will improve the purchasing power of workers, leading to increased consumer spending and overall economic growth.
“This is not just about salaries; it is about economic stimulation. When workers earn better, they spend more, businesses thrive, and the economy grows. We want Imo to be a state where workers feel appreciated and motivated to deliver their best,” Uzodimma stated.
In a related development, the governor also announced the release of ₦16 billion to offset gratuity arrears owed to pensioners in the state. He said the gesture was part of his administration’s commitment to addressing long-standing liabilities and restoring dignity to retirees who had served the state.
“Our pensioners deserve to live in comfort after years of service. Clearing these arrears is a priority for this administration,” he affirmed.
Leave a Reply