Governor Hope Uzodinma of Imo State has taken steps to alleviate the economic burden faced by the people following the removal of fuel subsidy.
In a recent address to the state executive council, Governor Uzodinma announced the approval of an increase in the minimum wage of workers in the state to N40,000. The move aims to cushion the effects of rising living costs.
The governor acknowledged the prevailing economic challenges caused by the removal of fuel subsidy, emphasizing the need to support the state’s workforce during this difficult period.
Oguwike Nwachukwu, the governor’s chief press secretary, released a statement detailing the governor’s plans to address the situation.
Governor Uzodinma stated, “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.”
Furthermore, the governor emphasized his commitment to education by announcing the establishment of a scholarship education board.
“In the same vein, we are introducing a scholarship education board for our brilliant students whose parents are poor to train them in school,” he said.
“I have found out that most of our brilliant children come from poor homes and end up not furthering their education after leaving the primary and secondary school.
“These brilliant students will be given scholarship to higher institutions.”
