The decision of Imo and Ebonyi States to raise salaries for civil servants has rattled other state governors, many of whom now face growing pressure from workers and labour unions. While labour leaders are celebrating the bold steps taken in the South-East, several governors have dismissed the moves as “unsustainable,” sparking a fresh nationwide wage debate.
Earlier this week, Governor Hope Uzodimma of Imo stunned the nation by announcing a new minimum wage of ₦104,000, far above the national benchmark of ₦70,000 signed into law in 2024. The package also raised doctors’ salaries from ₦215,000 to ₦503,000 and lifted tertiary institution lecturers from ₦119,000 to ₦222,000.
Not to be outdone, Ebonyi quickly approved an additional ₦20,000 allowance for every worker, effective immediately, further heating up the wage conversation.
Labour Cheers, Governors Fret
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) described the development as “revolutionary” and urged other states to emulate.
“If Imo, which is not even among Nigeria’s richest states, can pay over ₦100,000, then what excuse do richer states have?” asked NLC President Joe Ajaero.
Already, union leaders in Edo, Bayelsa, Abia, Anambra, and Oyo are demanding reviews. Edo NLC Chairman, Prof. Monday Igbafen, said workers would open fresh talks with Governor Monday Okpebholo’s administration. Bayelsa NLC also confirmed consultations with Governor Douye Diri’s team.
But not everyone is clapping. In Taraba, Plateau, and Niger, officials have warned that the wage hikes are unrealistic. Taraba’s Head of Service, Dr. Ahmed Kara, said bluntly: “We are still battling to pay ₦70,000. Where is the money for more?” Plateau’s Commissioner for Information, Joyce Ramnap, echoed that sentiment, cautioning that the state must not be “dragged to the edge financially.”
The FAAC Reality Check
Critics, however, insist the governors’ excuses no longer hold water. Since the removal of fuel subsidy in 2023, federal allocations to states through the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) have risen by over 200%—in some cases tripling beyond budgetary projections.
Economists argue that if governors plug leakages, block wastage, and curb extravagant spending, states could comfortably pay not just ₦104,000 but even ₦200,000 as a minimum wage.
“This isn’t about capacity, it’s about priorities,” said one analyst. “FAAC is pumping unprecedented funds into states. The problem is whether the money goes to workers—or disappears into convoys, estacodes, and patronage politics.”
Oliver Twist Workers
Despite enjoying relatively better wages, civil servants in Abia and Anambra are also asking for more. Abia NLC Chairman, Okoro Ogbonnaya, urged Governor Alex Otti to review salaries in line with inflation. In Anambra, TUC Chairman Chris Ogbonna noted that while Governor Charles Soludo approved ₦82,000, “workers are like Oliver Twist—we want more.”
In Oyo, labour leaders remain optimistic. “Governor Makinde has been consistent in paying and even employing more workers. We believe he won’t leave us behind,” said NLC Chairman, Kayode Martins.
Pressure Cooker Politics
For now, Imo and Ebonyi have stolen the spotlight, with their workers smiling to the bank while others look on enviously. But the reality is stark: as long as FAAC allocations keep rising, governors will find it increasingly difficult to convince their citizens that “there is no money.”
And with 2027 elections slowly looming, one thing is clear—the minimum wage has quietly become the new battleground of Nigerian politics.
