The governor made the announcement on Tuesday night during a meeting with labour union leaders at the Government House, Owerri. The new wage represents a jump from the previous ₦76,000 benchmark.
In addition to the general wage adjustment, Uzodimma also approved sector-specific increments. Doctors in the state will now earn a minimum of ₦503,000, up from ₦215,000, while teachers in tertiary institutions will see their pay rise from ₦119,000 to ₦222,000.
Workers’ Welfare as Economic Stimulus
Governor Uzodimma said his administration recognises the central role of labour in governance, adding that worker welfare remains crucial for stability, productivity, and economic growth.
“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 acknowledged the challenges that have faced Imo citizens since 2020—including insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic hardship following subsidy removal—but stressed that his government was determined to remain responsive.
State Finances on the Rise
Uzodimma highlighted major improvements in Imo’s fiscal standing, noting that Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) had risen from about ₦400 million to over ₦3 billion monthly. Similarly, federal allocations increased from between ₦5 billion–₦7 billion in 2020 to about ₦14 billion presently.
He added that the state’s debt profile had reduced significantly from ₦280 billion in 2020 to less than ₦100 billion, enabling more funds to be channelled toward development and welfare programmes.
Infrastructure, Subsidy and Pension Reforms
The governor also outlined progress in rebuilding collapsed infrastructure across the state, particularly in road construction and security restoration. He praised President Bola Tinubu’s subsidy removal policy as a necessary economic reform, while stressing the need to ensure that its dividends reach ordinary Nigerians.
In further relief to workers and retirees, Uzodimma disclosed that his administration would begin the payment of the final ₦16 billion batch of gratuities owed pensioners from August 27.
Health and Enterprise Development
On health sector reforms, he announced the rollout of health insurance schemes and improved equipment for state-owned facilities to provide “world-class treatment” for residents.
He also confirmed Imo’s participation in the Federal Government’s initiative to establish 1,000 small businesses in each active INEC ward, designed to boost grassroots enterprise and employment.
Call for Labour-Government Partnership
Uzodimma urged organised labour to work in unity with the government, cautioning against redundancy and unethical practices while encouraging workers to deliver value to justify the new wage structure.
“Every responsible government must be transparent,” he said. “Now that our revenues have improved, it is only fair that the benefits are shared with the people.”
