The Imo State House of Assembly on Tuesday passed a motion in Owerri commending Governor Hope Uzodimma for raising the minimum wage of state workers from ₦76,000 to ₦104,000. Lawmakers said the increase, together with the payment of long-overdue gratuities, demonstrated the governor’s commitment to workers’ welfare despite prevailing economic challenges.
The motion, sponsored by the Chairman of the House Committee on Pensions, Civil Service, Labour and Productivity, Hon. Kingsley Ozurumba (APC–Isu), also acknowledged the governor’s release of ₦16 billion to settle gratuity arrears for pensioners. Ozurumba informed the Assembly that organised labour leaders in the state had expressed satisfaction with the governor’s actions, describing them as a morale booster for both workers and retirees.
Presenting the motion, Ozurumba stressed that the ongoing global and national economic crises had made it difficult for many governments to sustain salary obligations. “Governor Uzodimma has continued to demonstrate leadership by ensuring that workers and pensioners are not left behind in this harsh economy,” he said.
Supporting the motion, the Deputy Chief Whip, Hon. Kelechi Ofurum (Owerri North), praised the governor for providing vehicles to ease workers’ transportation needs and for improving office conditions, describing the interventions as measures that reduce the daily burdens of civil servants.
The Majority Leader, Hon. Kanayo Onyemaechi (Owerri West), added that the wage increase would “boost the morale of state employees”. He further commended Uzodimma for ongoing infrastructure projects, including the Orashi power plant.
Hon. Innocent Ikpamezie (APC–Mbaitoli) also observed that, even before the latest increment, the governor had cleared salary arrears and consistently shown concern for workers’ welfare. “This is a continuation of his commitment to motivating workers to give their best,” he said.
Following contributions from several lawmakers, the motion was unanimously adopted. The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Chike Olemgbe (Ihitte Uboma), directed the Clerk to forward the House resolution to the governor’s office.
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