Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodinma, has approved a new ₦70,000 minimum wage for civil servants in the state. Additionally, the governor announced the resumption of gratuity payments for retirees, revealing that 4,529 local government retirees and 6,427 state retirees have been owed gratuities since 2006.
This move follows the submission of a report by a committee composed of representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joint Union Negotiating Council, and the state government, after a two-day meeting.
In his address to the committee, Governor Uzodimma confirmed that all unions in the state had agreed on the new minimum wage. He added that employees on consolidated salaries who already earn ₦70,000 will receive an additional 10 percent on top of their salaries.
The governor further stated that from Tuesday, November 26, 2024, his government will begin paying gratuities to 2,962 retirees at the local government level and 2,742 at the state level, with the remaining balances for 1,567 local government retirees and 2,685 state retirees to be settled in the next batches.
Governor Uzodinma emphasized his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of Imo State workers and ensuring retirees who spent their productive years serving the state receive the compensation they deserve.
Comrade Uche Chigemezu Nwaigwe, Chairman of the Imo State Council of the NLC, expressed appreciation to the governor for his support to the state’s workers. Similarly, TUC Chairman Comrade Uchenna Ibe Great assured that workers would respond to the governor’s goodwill with increased dedication and productivity.