In a bold and unprecedented move aimed at easing the financial burden on workers amidst Nigeria’s rising cost of living, Imo State Governor, Senator Hope Uzodinma, has announced a significant upward review of the state’s minimum wage, setting it at ₦104,000. This adjustment, which has been widely welcomed by civil servants across the state, positions Imo as one of the first sub-national governments in Nigeria to implement such a substantial wage increase in recent times.
The governor made the announcement during a state broadcast on Monday, noting that the decision was part of his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of Imo workers and cushioning the economic effects of inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and naira devaluation on the average citizen. Governor Uzodinma stated that the new wage structure would take immediate effect, with state ministries, departments, and agencies expected to commence implementation without delay.
In addition to the revised minimum wage, the governor also disclosed a new salary benchmark for entry-level medical doctors employed by the state government. According to him, fresh medical doctors will now earn a monthly salary of ₦582,000—an effort to stem the rising tide of medical brain drain and retain healthcare professionals within the state. The review, he said, aligns with the recommendations of national health bodies and reflects the administration’s renewed focus on strengthening the healthcare sector in Imo.
Governor Uzodinma explained that the wage increase followed a comprehensive review of the economic realities in the country and consultations with organised labour, key stakeholders, and economic advisers. He emphasised that no society can thrive if its workforce is impoverished, adding that improved remuneration is not just a moral obligation but a catalyst for increased productivity and civil service efficiency.
Imo workers have long called for wage adjustments, especially as inflation continues to erode the purchasing power of salaries fixed under outdated economic conditions. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), Nigeria’s inflation rate stood at over 30% as of mid-2025, with food prices and transportation costs hitting record highs. Many states have struggled to keep pace with the demands of labour unions, making Imo’s proactive wage policy a noteworthy development.
The governor also used the occasion to reiterate his administration’s commitment to prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities, noting that several backlogs inherited from previous administrations have been cleared under his watch. He urged civil servants to reciprocate the gesture with renewed dedication and transparency in public service delivery.
While reactions to the announcement have been largely positive, some analysts have called for a clear implementation framework to ensure sustainability, especially in light of fluctuating federal allocations and internal revenue challenges faced by most states. However, Governor Uzodinma assured the public that the state’s financial team has mapped out a strategic fiscal plan to sustain the wage structure without compromising developmental projects.
With this move, Imo State has positioned itself as a model for worker-friendly governance in Nigeria, potentially setting a precedent for other states to follow as conversations around a national minimum wage review continue to dominate public discourse.