Nigerian gov approves N104,000 minimum wage for workers

In a major step towards improving workers’ welfare, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has approved a new minimum wage of ₦104,000 for civil servants in the state.

The announcement, made on Tuesday night during a meeting with labour union leaders at the Government House in Owerri, marks a significant increase from the previous ₦76,000 minimum wage.

Governor Uzodimma also disclosed upward reviews for key professional sectors. Doctors in the state will now earn ₦503,000, up from ₦215,000, while lecturers in tertiary institutions will receive a minimum of ₦222,000, up from ₦119,000.

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Speaking at the event, Uzodimma said his administration had faced numerous challenges since coming into office in 2020, including insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, economic hardship, and disputes over minimum wage and subsidy removal.

The Governor stressed that workers’ welfare remains central to his government’s agenda.

“When workers are paid well, productivity rises, families are happier, and the local economy grows.”

“This is our way of investing in Imo people,” he stated.

The governor disclosed that the state’s Internally Generated Revenue had grown from N400 million to over N3 billion monthly, while federal allocations had increased from between N5 billion and N7 billion in 2020 to about N14 billion.

He added that the state’s debt profile had dropped from over N280 billion in 2020 to less than N100 billion.

He further announced that the government would commence the payment of the last batch of N16 billion gratuities owed to pensioners from August 27.

Reacting, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, described the wage increase as a victory for Imo workers, praising Uzodimma for making the state one of the highest in minimum wage payment.

Similarly, the state Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Uchenna Ibe, applauded the governor for his political will and commitment to workers’ welfare.