Imo State Government, at the weekend, fulfilled its promise by commencing payment of the N104,000 minimum wage for state workers.
Workers who received alerts reflecting the new pay status on their phones expressed joy to God and Governor Hope Uzodimma for the approval and fulfilment.
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.
The approval and subsequent payment have placed Imo at the top of the ladder of states paying the national minimum wage pegged at N70,000. Lagos State came second with ₦88,000, Rivers State third with ₦85,000, while Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa are at par, each offering ₦80,000.
In a statement by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Enlightenment, Prince Eze Ugochukwu, and made available to The Guardian on Sunday, he said it would bolster the economy of the state, placing the workers in a happy mood.
Ugochukwu 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.”
