From CHARLES ONYEKWERE, OWERRI
Imo State government has fulfilled its promise of paying N104,000 minimum wage to workers.
Workers, who received alerts reflecting the new pay status, expressed joy to God and Governor Hope Uzodimma for the approval and fulfilment.
Uzodimma had a few weeks ago approved the payment of N104,000 for government workers, N513,000 for medical doctors, and N220,000 entry-point salary for lecturers in tertiary institutions.
The approval and subsequent payment have placed Imo at the top of the ladder of states paying the national minimum wage pegged at N70,000. Lagos State came second with N88,000, Rivers State third with N85,000, while Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa are at par, each offering N80,000.
A statement in Oweeri by the Special Adviser to the governor on Public Enlightenment, Prince Eze Ugochukwu, said it would bolster the economy of the state, placing the workers in a happy mood.
“Governor Uzodimma’s administration is spearheading this considerable policy change, which is poised to have a substantial impact on the state’s economic and social well-being.
“The goal of this wage hike is to bolster the financial capacity of workers, empower them to better address their requirements and invest in goods and services. This, in turn, would give a shot in the arm to local businesses.
“Following Imo, Lagos is offering the next highest minimum wage, clocking in at N88,000, with Rivers coming in at ₦85,000. Akwa Ibom and Bayelsa are close behind, each offering N80,000.
“The ramification of this adjustment will be far-reaching, with economic activities getting a boost. Increased spending will give the local economy a lift,” Ugochukwu said.
