AFTER months of negotiations, Imo State Governor, Hope Uzodimma, yesterday, approved N70,000 minimum wage for workers employed in the state civil service.

Also, Uzodimma approved the free healthcare insurance scheme for the state pensioners. The move would provide access to medical services for retirees.

The governor disclosed these in line with the national minimum wage as enshrined in the national law.

He had raised an implementation panel, which comprised the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Joint Union Negotiating Council, and the government representatives about a month ago.

In line with the Federal Government’s directive for a pay rise for workers nationwide, Uzodimma keyed into the plan almost immediately, setting up an implementation committee. After the panel submitted its report on Monday, he announced the approval.

The governor 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 an additional 10 per cent on top of their salaries.”

He also approved the implementation of the “financial effect of the last promotions of Imo State workers, the upward review of pension allowances for retirees after the conclusion of ongoing pension audit, and the onboarding of Imo State pensioners in the State’s Free Health Care Insurance Scheme.”

The governor noted that the outstanding gratuity since 2006 at the local council level involved 4,529 retirees, while that at the state level stands at 6,427 pensioners.

He assured that the effective date, yesterday, November 26, his government would resume payment of gratuity of 2, 962 retirees at the local council level, while that of the state, involving 2,742 with an outstanding balance of 1567 ( Local Government Area retirees ) and 2685 ( State retirees) would be paid in “the next one or two batches.”

He assured the workers of working in synergy with them. The NLC Chairman, Imo State Council, Uche Chigemezu Nwaigwe, and the TUC state Chairman, Uche Great, applauded the governor, pledging cooperation.