It has been jubilation galore among civil servants in Imo State as the state government made good its promise of paying an improved minimum wage of N104,000.
Governor Hope Uzodimma had, a few weeks ago, approved the payment of N104,000 for any fresh government worker, ₦513,000 for medical doctors, and N220,000 entry-point salary for lecturers in the state tertiary institutions.
With this development, Imo State is now the highest in payment of minimum wage in the country. Othre states with minimum wage above the federal government approved N70,000 are, Lagos State and Rivers State with ₦88,000 and 85,000 respectively while Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa are at par, each offering ₦80,000.
Justifying the government’s increase in minimum wage, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Prince Eze Ugochukwu, said it would boost the economy of the state, and change the fortunes of civil servants in the state.
The Special Adviser in a statement made available to the media on Sunday said: “Governor Hope Uzodimma’s administration is spearheading this considerable policy change, which is poised to have a substantial impact on the state’s economic and social well-being.
“The goal of this wage hike is to bolster the financial capacity of workers, empowering them to better address their requirements and invest in goods and services. This, in turn, would give a shot in the arm to local businesses.
“Following Imo, Lagos is offering the next highest minimum wage, clocking in at ₦88,000, with Rivers coming in at ₦85,000. Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa are close behind, each offering ₦80,000.
“The ramifications of this adjustment will be far-reaching, with economic activity getting a boost. Increased spending will give the local economy a lift.”
