Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has announced a groundbreaking pay rise for civil servants in the state, approving a new minimum wage of N70,000, effective immediately. This decision comes after extensive negotiations with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), and other unions in the state.
The governor also unveiled a free healthcare insurance scheme for pensioners, ensuring retirees can access medical services without financial strain. He disclosed this following the submission of a report by the implementation panel set up earlier this month.
Speaking on Monday, Uzodimma emphasized that workers on consolidated salaries already earning N70,000 would receive an additional 10% increment. Promotions for civil servants are also set for financial implementation, alongside an upward review of pension allowances.
The governor addressed the long-standing backlog of gratuities, stating that payments for 2,962 local government retirees and 2,742 state retirees would begin immediately, with plans to clear outstanding payments in subsequent batches.
NLC Chairman Uche Chigemezu Nwaigwe and TUC Chairman Uche Great lauded the governor’s initiatives, pledging full cooperation to ensure seamless implementation.
Key Highlights:
N70,000 minimum wage approved for all Imo workers.
Consolidated salary earners to receive 10% salary increase.
Free healthcare insurance scheme introduced for pensioners.
Backlog of gratuities from 2006 to be addressed in phases, starting with thousands of retirees.
Uzodimma reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing workers’ welfare and retirees’ dignity, ensuring Imo State aligns with national policies on wage increases.
