The Imo State House of Assembly on Tuesday adopted a motion commending Governor Hope Uzodimma for increasing the minimum wage of workers from N76,000 to N104,000.

The lawmakers also commended the governor for the payment of backlog of gratuities to Imo pensioners.

The Chairman, House Committee on Pensions, Civil service, Labour, and productivity, Kingsley Ozurumba (APC-Isu), proposed the commendation in a motion he presented during plenary on Tuesday in Owerri.

While presenting the motion, Ozurumba noted that the challenges in the global and Nigerian economy had limited the ability of governments to pay salaries and wages of workers.

He stated that Mr Uzodimma has, however, been on the forefront in encouraging and enhancing the provision of the welfare of workers and pensioners in the state.

He added that the leadership of the organised labour union in the state in a meeting with his committee expressed satisfaction with the governor’s efforts at improving their welfare.

The lawmaker also commended the governor for the release of N16 billion for the payment of the gratuities of retirees.

He urged the house to commend the governor for his magnanimity and commitment to the welfare of workers and retirees.

Supporting the motion, the Deputy Chief whip, Mr Kelechi Ofurum (Owerri North) commended Mr Uzodimma for amenities put in place for the comfort of workers including providing vehicles for transporting workers and maintenance of offices.

Also speaking, the Majority Leader, Kanayo Onyemaechi (Owerri West), added that the increased minimum wage in addition to other efforts to improve workers’ welfare would boost the morale of the state employees.

Mr Onyemaechi commended the governor for the various ongoing projects in the state, particularly the Orashi power plant.

In his contribution, Innocent Ikpamezie (APC-Mbaitoli), noted that prior to the wage increase, the governor had consistently demonstrated his commitment to the welfare of workers.

He added that the governor also cleared the arrears of the salaries owed to the employees to encourage them to put in their best.

The motion was adopted following more contributions and a unanimous vote in support of the prayers of the chief sponsor.

The Speaker, Chike Olemgbe (Ihitte Uboma), directed the clerk to convey the resolution of the house to the office of the governor.

(NAN)