Why Gov Uzodinma increased Imo minimum wage to N104,000 — Spokesperson

The Spokesperson to Governor Hope Uzodinma has explained why Imo state, under the administration of his principal, recently increased the minimum wage for civil servants in the state to N104,000.

In an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Mr. Ogunwike Nwachuku, who is the Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser to Governor Uzodinma, shed light on the rationale behind the new benchmark, explaining that the increase was a deliberate move to improve the lives of the state’s workforce.

He said, “The rationale behind what the governor did two days ago is nothing other than to ensure that the civil servants in Imo State are given a welfare that will enable them to live a life of dignity. Being in a position also to decide their responsibilities to government for the purpose of a better Imo state.”

This sentiment, he explained, was at the heart of the governor’s decision to empower workers and, in turn, motivate them to contribute more effectively to the development of the state.

When asked about the sustainability of the new wage and whether a future administration could maintain the payment, Nwachuku was quick to dismiss any concerns.

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He referred to the governor’s assurances on the matter and pointed to the government’s track record.

He said, “That has already been explained by the governor when he was reading out this new wage benchmark. He did say that sustaining it is not an issue, but it’s something that requires every hand to be on deck.”

He further underscored the administration’s commitment to worker welfare by recalling previous wage increments, citing them as proof of its capacity to deliver on its promises.

“Don’t forget when minimum wage was ₦18k, we came and started paying ₦30k when some states were still paying ₦18k. The governor raised the minimum wage of Imo workers to ₦40k, and he sustained it, from ₦40k to ₦70k. The governor still sustained the payment, and I want you to know that ₦104k that was just announced would also be sustained.”

Meanwhile, Tribune Online earlier reported that Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, approved a new minimum wage of N104,000 for civil servants in the state, raising workers’ pay in one of the boldest wage adjustments following last year’s upward review of national minimum wage to N70,000.

The announcement was made late Tuesday during a meeting with leaders of various labour unions at the Government House in Owerri, disclosing a significant increase from the previous N76,000 minimum wage.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE