Imo, Ebonyi Pay Rise Triggers Fresh Minimum Wage Agitation Across States

The decision by Imo and Ebonyi State governments to raise workers’ pay has sparked renewed demands for higher wages across the country, with labour unions in several states now mounting pressure on their governors.

On Tuesday, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo announced a new minimum wage of ₦104,000 for workers, exceeding the national benchmark of ₦70,000 by ₦34,000. The package also raised doctors’ pay from ₦215,000 to ₦503,000 and increased salaries for lecturers in tertiary institutions from ₦119,000 to ₦222,000. Ebonyi followed 24 hours later with an across-the-board ₦20,000 salary top-up for its workforce, effective immediately.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, described the moves as commendable, saying they should inspire other states. “If Imo, which is not among the highest in revenue, can pay over ₦100,000, then other states can do more,” he said.

Already, unions in Edo, Bayelsa, Abia, Anambra, Oyo, and other states have begun agitating for similar reviews. The Edo NLC said it would engage Governor Monday Okpebholo, who raised the minimum wage to ₦75,000 during May Day celebrations. In Bayelsa, NLC Chairman Simon Barnabas Bay said consultations were ongoing, while the government maintained that its workers are already among the best paid in the country, earning a minimum of ₦80,000.

Abia’s NLC urged Governor Alex Otti to consider higher pay, despite workers acknowledging his “worker-friendly” posture. In Anambra, where Governor Chukwuma Soludo currently pays ₦82,000, unions welcomed his support for workers but insisted they wanted more.

However, not all states are prepared to follow suit. Taraba’s Head of Service, Dr. Ahmed Kara, said the state lacked resources for any new increase, pointing to ongoing struggles to meet existing wage obligations. Plateau also ruled out fresh adjustments, with its Information Commissioner Joyce Ramnap stressing the state would not be “pushed to the edge.” Niger officials said there were no immediate plans for review, noting that the state already pays ₦80,000. Kwara’s NLC said workers were “still where we were” as there had been no signal from government on the matter.

In Enugu, labour leaders said their focus was not on a new wage figure but on ensuring “consequential adjustments” for higher-grade workers. Oyo’s labour unions expressed optimism that Governor Seyi Makinde, who approved ₦80,000 last year, might consider a review as revenue improves, while praising his record on employment and timely salary payments.

The surge in agitation comes after President Bola Tinubu signed a new minimum wage law in July 2024, pegging the national floor at ₦70,000 and mandating reviews every three years. With monthly allocations to states rising sharply since the removal of petrol subsidy in 2023, unions are pressing for more governors to prioritize workers’ welfare by pushing minimum wages higher.