Governor Hope Uzodimma has raised Imo workers’ minimum wage to ₦104,000 and doctors’ salaries to ₦582,000.
He said the new structure boosts welfare, productivity, and the state’s economy amid rising inflation.
Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has announced a new wage structure for the state civil service, raising the minimum wage for workers to ₦104,000 and increasing the monthly salary of medical doctors to ₦582,000. The governor made the declaration during a meeting with members of the state labour force at the Government House in Owerri.
According to Uzodimma, the wage adjustment was made possible by recent improvements in the state’s finances, largely driven by increased internally generated revenue (IGR) and higher allocations from the federation account. He explained that the new salary scale was designed to uplift workers, stimulate economic activity, and improve productivity in the state.
“This administration recognizes the sacrifices of our workers and the central role they play in driving development. By reviewing the salary structure upward, we are not only addressing welfare concerns but also boosting morale and productivity. This will have a ripple effect on the local economy as higher disposable incomes will translate into more consumer spending,” the governor said.
The new wage places Imo among the few states in Nigeria that have moved beyond the national minimum wage of ₦30,000. With the federal government still in discussions with labour unions over a possible nationwide wage review, Uzodimma’s announcement is expected to put pressure on other states to follow suit, particularly at a time when inflation and the rising cost of living continue to erode purchasing power.
For medical doctors, the upward review to ₦582,000 monthly is seen as an attempt to stem the tide of brain drain in the health sector, where many professionals have left for better opportunities abroad. By offering more competitive pay, the state government hopes to retain skilled personnel and strengthen its healthcare delivery system.
Labour unions in the state have welcomed the development, noting that the gesture will go a long way in cushioning the economic hardship faced by workers and their families. Analysts also believe the move could help stimulate Imo’s economy by encouraging higher levels of spending, small business growth, and local investment.
However, questions remain about sustainability. With Nigeria’s economy still battling high inflation, fluctuating oil revenues, and a heavy dependence on federal allocations, observers say the state government will need to maintain strong fiscal discipline to keep up with its wage commitments.
For now, the announcement has brought relief and optimism among Imo workers, many of whom see it as a bold step towards improving living standards and setting a benchmark for other states to emulate.
