By Douglas Princemola
In a major move aimed at improving the welfare of civil servants and retirees, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodimma, has approved a new minimum wage of ₦70,000 for workers in the state civil service. This decision places Imo among the few Nigerian states that have implemented such an increase in line with national economic realities and the rising cost of living.
The announcement was made during a recent address by the Governor, where he also unveiled a comprehensive package of incentives and reforms designed to uplift the state’s workforce and pensioners.
Governor Uzodimma confirmed that the ₦70,000 wage structure will take effect immediately. For civil servants already earning consolidated salaries of ₦70,000 or more, the government has approved an additional 10 percent salary increment to ensure equity and widespread impact of the wage review.
Beyond the salary increase, the Governor assured Imo workers of the sustained implementation of the 13th-month salary and promised that all promotions granted in recent years would now be financially implemented.
This is more than a wage increment,” Uzodimma said. “It is a commitment to restoring dignity to labour and ensuring that our public servants can live decent, productive lives.”
In an unprecedented gesture, the Governor also rolled out new welfare provisions for pensioners. These include free healthcare insurance coverage aimed at easing the financial burdens of aged retirees.
Further, the state has begun the long-overdue payment of gratuities dating back to 2006. According to the administration, over 5,700 retirees — including 2,962 from the local government sector and 2,742 from the state level — will receive their entitlements in phased batches. Many have already been paid, with the remaining set to receive payments in one or two more installments.
The government’s salary reforms also extend to workers at the Imo State Transport Company (ITC). In June 2025, ITC staff salaries were revised upwards, with monthly pay moving from a modest ₦9,000–₦41,000 to ₦51,000–₦60,000, depending on grade level and responsibilities. This is seen as a major turnaround for the previously neglected sector.
This latest development builds on earlier actions by the Uzodimma-led administration. In July 2023, following the removal of fuel subsidies and the attendant economic hardship, the Governor approved a temporary increase in the state’s minimum wage to ₦40,000. The package at the time included free transportation, medical care, and additional social interventions.
Uzodimma’s administration has consistently positioned itself as pro-labour, a stance that is expected to yield political goodwill as he consolidates his leadership in the state.
Preliminary reactions from labour unions in Imo have been positive. State chapters of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) praised the government’s responsiveness, urging timely implementation and regular reviews in line with inflation trends.
This is a welcome development, a senior union leader told reporters in Owerri. “We commend the Governor for listening to the cries of the workers and pensioners.
Governor Uzodimma’s approval of the ₦70,000 minimum wage, along with sweeping improvements in salaries and welfare for civil servants and retirees, marks a bold step in addressing economic pressure on workers in Imo State. If sustained and transparently implemented, these reforms could serve as a model for other states navigating similar financial challenges.
