Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, has raised the state’s minimum wage to ₦104,000, making it the highest in the country. The governor made the announcement in Owerri on Wednesday during a meeting with labour leaders at the Government House.
The new wage represents a sharp increase from the previous ₦70,000 benchmark, which Imo had earlier adopted in line with the Federal Government’s July 2024 approval of ₦70,000 as the new national minimum wage. That landmark federal decision came after weeks of negotiations with labour unions, ending a nationwide strike and replacing the long-standing ₦30,000 wage. The law also mandated a review of salaries every three years.
However, while the Federal Government and a few states have since commenced implementation, many states—about 20, including the Federal Capital Territory—are yet to pay the ₦70,000 wage to their workers, especially at the local government level and in primary schools.
By contrast, Uzodimma has not only surpassed the federal benchmark but also approved ₦16 billion to clear outstanding gratuities for pensioners, a move expected to bring relief to retirees. In addition, the governor announced improved salaries for critical sectors: entry-level doctors will now earn between ₦513,000 and ₦582,000, while lecturers will receive a new starting pay of ₦222,000.
Governor Uzodimma explained that the wage increase was designed to boost morale, cushion the effect of rising living costs, and stimulate economic activities in the state. “Workers remain the backbone of service delivery. Their welfare will continue to be a priority for my administration,” he assured.
Analysts and labour leaders have described the decision as a bold step that could pressure other states lagging behind to step up. At a time when food prices, transport costs, and basic services have surged following the removal of fuel subsidy, Imo’s move positions the state as a frontrunner in workers’ welfare and sets a new benchmark for salary structures across Nigeria.