Imo State Governor Hope Uzodimma has approved the implementation of a N70,000 minimum wage for workers.
He also announced that payment of outstanding gratuities to retirees from local and state governments would commence on Tuesday, November 26.
Additionally, the governor pledged to review pension allowances upward after completing the ongoing pension audit.
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 members of the implementation 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 N70,000 minimum wage will get additional 10 per cent on top of their salaries.”
Governor Uzodimma approved the implementation of the financial effect of the last promotions of Imo State workers, the upward review of pension allowances for retirees after conclusion of ongoing pension audit, and the on boarding of Imo State pensioners in the State’s Free Health Care Insurance Scheme.
Also, the Governor noted that the 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.
However, Governor Uzodimma assured 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.
Both the NLC and TUC Chairmen could not hide their excitement while they signed the agreement.
In the remarks, the NLC Chairman, Imo State Council, Comrade Uche Chigemezu Nwaigwe, applauded the Governor for “his benevolence to Imo workers” and assured that “the workers will reciprocate the gesture by being more dedicated to duty and more productive.”
He specifically thanked the Governor for the payment of gratuity to pensioners of both the Local Government and State levels, and more importantly, the inclusion of pensioners in the Free Health Care Insurance Scheme of Imo State.
On his part, the TUC Chairman, Comrade Uchenna Ibe Great while appreciating the Governor for the pronouncements, assured that the workers and the entire people of Imo State will be comfortable with them.
The Secretary to the State Government, Chief Cosmos Iwu, the Chief of Staff, Barr Nnamdi Anyaehie, the Commissioner for Information, Public Orientation and Strategy, Hon Declan Emelumba, the Commissioner for Health Insurance, Dr Prosper Success Ohaghaya, the Head of Service, Mrs Chikodi Emenalom, the General Manager Imo State Health Insurance Scheme, Dr. Uche Ewelike, the Special Adviser on Labour Matters, Comrade Augustine Chilakpu, some members of the State expanded Executive Council and other political appointees witnessed the meeting.
