Hope Uzodinma Vows To Pay N70,000 Minimum Wage

Hope Uzodinma, The Governor of Imo State, on Thursday, reassured workers in the state that his government is committed to implementing the N70,000 new national minimum wage as already approved by the Federal Government.

Briefing journalists after a closed-door meeting with labor leaders, Uzodimma made it known that the commencement of payment of the N70,000 new minimum wage in the state is around the corner as his government and Labour leaders are already working out the modalities.

The governor described the new minimum wage as proper and appropriate, stating that his government is committed to its implementation.

He said, “The current cost of living and the situation of things globally necessitates the need to create better incentives for the working community.

“Apart from using the minimum wage to stimulate the economy, the Governor emphasized that the Federal Government also considered cushioning the effects of the hardship the workers are facing to approve the new national minimum wage.”

While promising to start the payment soon, the governor urged the workers in the state to “show more commitment and be more productive.”

He said that since the new minimum wage figure of N70,000 is already known to everyone, “what is needed is to work out the modalities on the consequential adjustments to trickle it down to the senior staff cadre because it is not for the junior workers alone, and by so doing the incentives, no matter the ration, will go round.”

Uzodimma said that for the challenge of limited resources at the government’s disposal, he was committed to immediate minimum wage implementation but promised that “between now and the next two months,” everything will be sorted out.

“As the government is determined to pay more, there is a need for better and quality services to the people of Imo State,” he said.

The Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress, Imo State chapter, Uche Nwigwe, said Uzodimma has remained “workers-friendly and has shown a willingness to implement the National Minimum wage for Imo workers.”

Nwigwe assured all that they will fast-track discussions in one or two additional committee meetings on the implementation. “As soon as that is done, Imo workers will get what is due to them.”