The minimum pay for employees in Imo state has been raised to N40,000 (about 51 USD at the current exchange rate of 775/dollar) by Governor Hope Uzodinma.
On Saturday, July 15, the governor mentioned this to those in the state executive council. He claimed that the withdrawal of the gasoline subsidy has had a significant negative impact on the economy and that the salary increase is intended to lessen the pain that the state’s government officials are currently experiencing as a result.
In a statement by his chief Press Secretary, Oguwike Nwachukwu, Governor Uzodinma said his administration will give out soft loans, grants, provide seedlings and farm tools to qualified farmers in the state.
“There shall be an immediate upward review of the salaries and wages of workers in the state. The minimum wage is hereby raised to forty thousand naira (N40,000) with discretionary consequential adjustments. At least, your salaries would be able not only to take you home, but to also provide your basic necessities to enable you to make ends meet.
Apart from the free transport which the workers are already enjoying, I shall increase the fleet of buses carrying workers to and from work with ten more new buses. This is to ensure every nook and cranny of the state capital is captured in the routes that the buses ply, to bring the service closest to the doorsteps of every worker.
Also, plans have reached advanced level to recalibrate the tax system in Imo state, with Governor Uzodimma hinting that those who earn below N100,000 annually are likely going to be yanked off the State’s tax net.
I have discovered, with pain, how some traders are taking advantage of the economic situation to increase the prices of food items in the market.
Against this backdrop, the government will soon establish Imo State Marketing and Commodity Board (ISMCB), which will ensure food items are sold at normal prices. We shall achieve this by setting up low cost markets in the state where prices of food items and commodities will be affordable for the masses. The markets will be situated in all the 27 LGAs of the state.” the statement in part read
Nigerians React
Reacting to the report, fashion influencer, Laura Ikeji wote, “Will 40k buy enough fuel for ur car Mr Governor. How can 40k be enough for transportation and provide their daily needs. These ppl her human beings o.”
One Chizaa wrote, “It’s not by increasing it, he go pay??? This is 4 years now my mom hasn’t been paid her salary and he’s here talking about increament in minimum wage. Let us breathe abeg!”
One Chidoxflax wrote, “All these just so Imo people can forget who he is & vote him again abi? Then after the election when he wins he will go back to what he is known for. Just dey play sir.”
One Jennygeate wote, “Whenever the election is on the corner, Nigerian politicians will start behaving normal. That’s to show you that they intentional about their wíckēdñéss”
