The Governor of Imo State, Hope Uzodinma, has approved the payment of ₦70,000 minimum wage for the state civil servants.
Uzodinma announced also the payment of outstanding gratuity since 2006 at the Local Government level stands at 4,529 retirees, while that at the State level stands at 6,427 retirees.
The decision followed a report submitted by the implementation committee, which comprised representatives from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joint Union Negotiating Council, and the state government, after a two-day marathon meeting.
Addressing the committee, Governor Uzodimma said, “All the unions operating in the State had agreed on the minimum wage and in addition, that those on consolidated salaries who are already on ₦70,000 minimum wage will get additional 10 percent on top of their salaries.”
He stated that effective Tuesday (26/11/2024), his government will “resume gratuity payment of 2,962 retirees at the Local Government level and 2,742 at the State level, with the outstanding balance of 1,567 ( Local Government Area retirees ) and 2,685 ( State retirees) to be paid in the next one or two batches.”
The Governor reassured of the commitment of his administration to make Imo workers happy as well as to ensure that the pensioners who invested their youthful energy in serving the State are adequately rewarded.
In the remarks, the NLC Chairman, Imo State Council, Comrade Uche Chigemezu Nwaigwe, thanked the Governor for his benevolence to Imo workers.
On his part, the TUC Chairman, Comrade Uchenna Ibe Great, assured that the workers would reciprocate the gesture by being more dedicated to duty and more productive.