Governor Hope Uzodimma has approved a historic new wage structure for workers in Imo State, setting the minimum wage at ₦104,000, while also raising the monthly pay of medical doctors in the state to ₦533,000. The move, announced on Tuesday in Owerri, is one of the boldest wage reviews in Nigeria since the Federal Government’s 2019 minimum wage law.
The governor described the decision as part of his administration’s commitment to cushioning the harsh effects of inflation and the economic downturn on workers. He noted that the new wage structure was designed not only to uplift civil servants but also to reposition Imo as a competitive state for professional talent retention.
The approval follows weeks of consultations between the state government, labour unions, and representatives of the medical community. Workers had consistently demanded wage reviews to reflect the realities of Nigeria’s rising cost of living, with food inflation recently climbing above 40% year-on-year, according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).
Doctors in particular have been at the centre of an exodus crisis, with many leaving Nigeria for the UK, Canada, and Gulf states in search of better pay and working conditions. By setting the pay for state-employed doctors at ₦533,000, Uzodimma hopes to stem the tide of “japa” among healthcare professionals and strengthen Imo’s health sector.
The announcement has triggered mixed reactions. While labour leaders and some civil servants hailed it as a “landmark achievement,” critics questioned whether the state’s revenue base can sustain the pay rise in the long term. Some opposition voices argue that the policy risks being another “political promise” if not backed by a clear funding strategy.
Observers note that Uzodimma’s decision comes at a politically sensitive time, with his administration facing growing scrutiny over public sector reforms and the broader economic climate. Analysts believe the wage increase could boost morale among workers but warn that it may trigger fresh demands from other professional groups in the state.
For thousands of Imo workers, however, the immediate reality is a relief. After years of wage stagnation, the approval of ₦104,000 as the new minimum wage represents not just a financial reprieve, but also a symbolic recognition of their struggles. Whether this marks the beginning of a sustainable new wage era or another short-lived political headline will be tested in the months ahead.
