The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, has approved a new minimum wage of ₦70,000 for civil servants in the state.

Additionally, Uzodinma announced the commencement of gratuity payments for retirees, revealing that a total of 4,529 retirees at the local government level and 6,427 at the state level are owed gratuities dating back to 2006.

This decision follows the submission of a report by the implementation committee, which included representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joint Union Negotiating Council, and the state government, after a two-day intensive meeting.

In his address to the committee, Governor Uzodinma explained, “All the unions in the state have agreed on the minimum wage. Furthermore, those on consolidated salaries who are already receiving ₦70,000 will receive an additional 10 percent on top of their current pay.”

He further announced that, starting Tuesday (November 26, 2024), his government will begin processing gratuity payments for 2,962 retirees at the local government level and 2,742 retirees at the state level, with the remaining balance of 1,567 local government retirees and 2,685 state retirees to be paid in subsequent batches.

The Governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to enhancing the welfare of Imo State workers and ensuring that pensioners, who dedicated their years of service to the state, receive their rightful compensation.

In response, Comrade Uche Chigemezu Nwaigwe, Chairman of the Imo State Council of the NLC, thanked the Governor for his generosity towards the state’s workers. Similarly, the TUC Chairman, Comrade Uchenna Ibe Great, assured that workers would respond to the Governor’s goodwill with greater dedication and productivity.