Imo State Increases Minimum Wage to ₦104,000 – Full Details, Salary Structure & Workers’ Reactions
Owerri, Imo State (Nigeria) – In a landmark decision aimed at easing economic hardship and boosting workers’ morale, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo State has approved a new minimum wage of ₦104,000 for state civil servants. The announcement was made during a state broadcast at Government House, Owerri, and has since sparked jubilation among workers across the state.
Background: Previous Minimum Wage and the Need for Review
Before the review, Imo State workers were earning a minimum wage of ₦76,000 — one of the highest in the South-East region. However, following persistent inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and rising cost of living, the Uzodimma-led administration decided to implement a salary restructuring to reflect the current economic realities.
Governor Uzodimma explained that the decision was a result of months of financial assessment, revenue growth, and consultation with labour unions and civil service stakeholders.
New Salary Structure Across Sectors
In addition to the ₦104,000 base wage for civil servants, the new structure affects several key sectors as follows:
- Medical Doctors: Monthly pay raised from about ₦215,000 to ₦503,000.
- Health Workers: Salary adjusted across all cadres to reflect current standards.
- Lecturers (Tertiary Institutions): Entry-level wage increased from ₦119,000 to ₦222,000.
- Teachers: Improved salary structure for primary and secondary school teachers under the new wage system.
Governor Uzodimma emphasized that the review aims to “reward productivity and restore dignity to the Imo workforce.”
Reasons Behind the Salary Increase
The governor highlighted several factors that made the wage increase possible:
- Improved State Finances: Imo’s internally generated revenue (IGR) rose from ₦400 million monthly to over ₦3 billion.
- Debt Reduction: The state’s total debt dropped from over ₦280 billion to below ₦100 billion through strategic fiscal management.
- Economic Pressure: Rising cost of living, inflation, and the removal of fuel subsidy necessitated a salary adjustment to protect workers’ welfare.
“Our government is people-oriented. This increment is not a political gesture but a moral responsibility,” the governor stated during the announcement.
Implementation and Payment Confirmation
Reports from multiple reliable sources confirm that the state government has already started crediting workers’ accounts with the new salary scale. Many workers received alerts reflecting the ₦104,000 minimum wage in the August and September 2025 payrolls.
This swift implementation has been widely praised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other unions, who described the decision as “a bold step in the right direction.”
Reactions from Workers and Labour Unions
The news was met with jubilation among Imo State civil servants. Workers gathered at various government ministries in Owerri to celebrate the long-awaited wage increase. Labour union leaders commended the governor’s action, calling it “a rare show of leadership and compassion.”
According to Guardian Nigeria, some workers expressed hope that the increment would “significantly cushion the effects of inflation and restore hope for public servants.”
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Imo Chapter confirmed it will continue to work with the state to ensure full compliance across all ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
Governor Uzodimma’s Statement
Governor Uzodimma reaffirmed his commitment to good governance, transparency, and workers’ welfare, saying:
“We cannot expect maximum productivity from workers who cannot meet their basic needs. This new wage reflects our gratitude and respect for the Imo workforce. Together, we will build a stronger, more prosperous state.”
Public Response and Economic Outlook
Economists have lauded the move, saying it could increase local purchasing power and stimulate small businesses. However, they cautioned that sustainability will depend on consistent revenue growth and fiscal discipline.
The wage hike places Imo among the highest-paying states in Nigeria, setting a benchmark for other governors ahead of the proposed national minimum wage review.
Conclusion
The approval of the ₦104,000 minimum wage underscores the Uzodimma administration’s effort to prioritize workers’ welfare amid challenging economic conditions. With improved revenue and debt management, the government appears ready to maintain this new wage structure sustainably.