Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has approved a new minimum wage of N104,000 for state civil servants, up from N70,000. He announced the pay rise on Tuesday night during a meeting with organised labour at Government House, Owerri.

The governor also approved substantial salary increase for health workers, pegging entry-level pay for medical doctors at N508,000 and up to N1.2 million for senior doctors. Other health professionals will now earn between N108,000 and N803,000, compared to the previous N77,600–N502,000 range. Lecturers will start at N222,000, while other civil service positions were also reviewed upwards.

In addition, Uzodimma ordered the immediate release of N16 billion to settle outstanding pensions and gratuities for retirees, with another round of payments set to begin today. The announcement sparked jubilation among workers and pensioners, with leaders of organised labour commending the governor.

Explaining the wage increase, Uzodimma said it reflected his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers and pensioners. He noted that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue had grown from below N400 million in 2020 to nearly N4 billion, while federal allocations rose from N7.5 billion to over N13 billion, enabling the government to fund reforms and reduce Imo’s debt profile from N280 billion to under N100 billion.

The governor challenged workers to justify the pay rise with “uncommon service delivered with dignity,” stressing that his administration has prioritised inclusive governance, infrastructure, healthcare, and youth empowerment.

Commissioner for Labour, Prof. Boniface Nwogu, said the move had resolved all pending labour disputes, while Imo NLC Chairman Uche Chigaemzu and other union leaders pledged loyalty and support.

The event was attended by Deputy Governor Lady Chinyere Ekomaru, House Speaker Chike Olemgbe, other lawmakers, commissioners, and local government leaders.