By Abdul Lauya
Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has announced a new minimum wage of ₦104,000 for civil servants, the highest so far in Nigeria.
The new pay structure, unveiled in Owerri on Wednesday after a meeting with labour leaders, marks a sharp increase from the previous ₦76,000 minimum wage in the state.
The raise also comes with significant adjustments for professionals, with doctors’ salaries climbing from ₦215,000 to ₦503,000 and lecturers in tertiary institutions from ₦119,000 to ₦222,000.
Labour leaders in the state immediately hailed the governor, describing the wage increase as a bold step to cushion the effects of inflation and the soaring cost of living.
By this move, Imo has effectively outpaced the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000 recently approved by the federal government.
The governor framed the raise as part of his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of workers and boosting productivity in the state.
Supporters say the new wage will enhance workers’ purchasing power, reduce economic hardship, and set a benchmark for other states to follow.
Critics, however, are wary of whether Imo’s finances can sustain the huge wage bill, especially given its dependence on federal allocations and a fragile revenue base.
Analysts warn that while the pay rise could boost morale in the short term, it risks piling up arrears if government revenue falls or oil allocations shrink.
The development also raises questions about equity, as private sector employees and informal workers remain outside the safety net of government wage reviews.
For Governor Uzodimma, the move is both a political win and a financial gamble that will test the balance between welfare promises and fiscal sustainability.
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