By Ab Susan
Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has approved a new minimum wage of N104,000 for civil servants in the state, marking a significant increase from the previous wage of N76,000. This decision was announced during a meeting with labour union leaders at the Government House in Owerri on Tuesday night. The new minimum wage is part of the government’s efforts to improve the welfare of its workers and boost productivity.
The governor’s approval of the new minimum wage is expected to have a positive impact on the state’s workforce. The increase in minimum wage is not limited to general civil servants, as the government has also increased the minimum wage for specific professions. For instance, doctors’ minimum wage has been increased from N215,000 to N503,000, while tertiary institution teachers’ minimum wage has been increased from N119,000 to N222,000.
Governor Uzodimma emphasized the importance of a friendly relationship between the government and organized labor. He stated that when workers are paid well, productivity rises, families are happier, and the local economy grows. The governor highlighted the state’s improved financial standing, citing a growth in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) from N400 million to over N3 billion monthly, and a reduction in debt profile from over N280 billion in 2020 to less than N100 billion.
The governor also announced that the state government will begin payment of the last batch of gratuities, totaling N16 billion, owed to pensioners in the state on August 27. This move is expected to bring relief to pensioners who have been waiting for their gratuities.
The labour union leaders in the state have welcomed the new minimum wage. Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Imo State, described the new minimum wage as a victory for the entire workforce in the state. Nwigwe assured the governor that workers would reciprocate the gesture with more diligent, efficient, and effective service.
The new minimum wage is a significant development for Imo State workers, and it is expected to boost their morale and productivity. The government’s efforts to improve the welfare of its workers are a step in the right direction, and it is hoped that this will have a positive impact on the state’s economy.
