Imo State To Begin N104,000 Minimum Wage In August

The Imo State Government has announced that civil servants will start receiving a new minimum wage of N104,000 from August salaries.

Governor Hope Uzodimma’s Chief Press Secretary and Media Adviser, Oguwike Nwachuku, confirmed the development on a national television programme on Thursday. He said the decision was based on the state’s financial strength and not a political gesture.

The wage increase, unveiled by the governor earlier in the week, sparked both excitement and doubt among workers and residents. Many questioned whether Imo could sustain such a payment, given that the figure is higher than what is being paid in most states.

Nwachuku explained that the decision was possible because of a major rise in the state’s Internally Generated Revenue. He noted that government reforms had lifted revenue collection from less than N400 million monthly to between N3 billion and N4 billion.

He attributed the increase to efforts in blocking leakages, digitising public processes, and creating an investment-friendly climate that encouraged both local and foreign investors. According to him, the growth shows that the administration has built a stronger financial base.

The governor’s aide also pointed to ongoing infrastructure projects, including the construction of 46 roads, as proof that funds were being managed with long-term development in mind. He stressed that the new minimum wage was carefully planned to ensure sustainability.

On when payments would start, Nwachuku said the new wage structure would take effect from August 2025 salaries, while other levels of the civil service would receive their adjusted pay in the following months.

With this move, Imo is set to become one of the first states in Nigeria to introduce a six-figure minimum wage for its workforce.