On August 27, 2025, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, announced a new minimum wage of N104,000 for civil servants in the state, marking a significant increase 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.
The wage hike also includes substantial raises for specific groups. Doctors’ minimum wage has been elevated from N215,000 to N513,000, while teachers in tertiary institutions will see their minimum wage rise from N119,000 to N222,000. Other categories of workers will also benefit from the adjustment.
Governor Uzodimma highlighted the challenges faced by Imo citizens since his administration began, including insecurity, the COVID-19 pandemic, and economic difficulties stemming from national reform policies and fuel subsidy removal.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with organized labour, stating, “A government cannot succeed without a friendly and cordial relationship with workers. When workers are well-paid, productivity increases, families thrive, and the local economy grows.”
The governor attributed the ability to implement these wage increases to the state’s improved financial standing. Imo’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) has grown from N400 million to over N3 billion monthly.
Additionally, federal allocations have risen from N5–7 billion in 2020 to N14 billion in 2025. The state’s debt profile has also been reduced from over N280 billion in 2020 to less than N100 billion.
Uzodimma noted that significant investments have been made to rebuild infrastructure, particularly roads, and to address insecurity. He acknowledged the increased cost of living due to the removal of fuel subsidies but expressed optimism about the policy’s benefits, stating,
“We are beginning to see the dividends of President Bola Tinubu’s bold decision to remove the fuel subsidy. Our focus now is ensuring these benefits reach the common man.”
Further demonstrating his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, Uzodimma announced that the state will begin paying the final N16 billion batch of gratuities owed to pensioners on August 27, 2025.
His government has also introduced reforms in the health sector, including a health insurance scheme and upgraded health facilities to provide high-quality care for Imo residents. Additionally, the state has aligned with a federal initiative to establish 1,000 businesses in every active INEC ward.
The governor urged labour unions to foster unity and maintain strong relations with the government while encouraging workers to enhance productivity and avoid unethical practices.
In response, Uchechigemezu Nwigwe, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), described the wage increase as “a victory for the entire workforce in Imo State.”
He praised Uzodimma for positioning Imo as one of the highest-paying states for minimum wage and assured that workers would reciprocate with greater diligence and efficiency.
Similarly, Uchenna Ibe, the state Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), commended the governor’s commitment to transformative projects, including the wage increase, and lauded his strong political will.
Citizens hope that these new developments can be implemented as soon as possible, making sure that these funds are not extorted from the beneficiaries.
