Imo State Increases Minimum Wage to N104,000, Boosts Doctors’ and Teachers’ Salaries

Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has approved a new minimum wage of N104,000 for civil servants, up from the previous N76,000. The announcement was made during a meeting with labour union leaders on Tuesday night at the Government House in Owerri.

Uzodimma also increased the minimum wage for doctors from N215,000 to N503,000, while tertiary institution teachers will now earn N222,000, up from N119,000.

The governor acknowledged the challenges Imo citizens have faced since his administration began, including insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic hardships, and disputes over minimum wage and subsidy removal. He emphasized that fair worker compensation boosts productivity, strengthens families, and stimulates the local economy.

Uzodimma highlighted that the state’s internally generated revenue has grown from N400 million to over N3 billion monthly, and the state’s debt has reduced from over N280 billion in 2020 to less than N100 billion. He also noted that the removal of the petrol subsidy has presented opportunities that the government is working to ensure benefit the wider population.

The governor confirmed that the state would begin payment of the last batch of gratuities, totaling N16 billion, owed to pensioners from August 27.

Reacting to the announcement, Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Imo, described the wage increase as a “victory for the entire workforce” and commended the governor for positioning the state among the highest in minimum wage levels. He assured that workers would respond with improved diligence and efficiency.