Written by Ella Michaels
Despite Governor Hope Uzodimma's announcement of a N104,000 minimum wage increase for Imo State civil servants, many workers may not receive the new salary package in the September pay list. According to reliable sources, a considerable number of Imo workers have not adhered to the rules and policies of clocking in and out, which is a requirement for qualification for the payment.
Records show that many workers are disobeying government regulations by being absent from work, displaying a laissez-faire attitude, truancy, lateness, and other acts that contravene civil service rules, including disloyalty to constituted authority. Attendance registers and daily staff positions in most government establishments reveal that many workers do not report to work as required.
The payment for the N104,000 minimum wage increase is set to commence this month, but many civil servants will likely be disappointed when they find out they are not eligible for the payment. The Head of Service, Mrs. Chikodi Emenalom, along with labour leaders, recently advised workers to turn over a new leaf and adhere to the rules.
Governor Uzodimma emphasized the importance of workers' productivity and accountability, introducing a clock-in and clock-out system to monitor attendance. The governor warned that workers' pay would be based on their actual working hours, stressing that the era of short-changing the government has come to an end.
The new minimum wage increase is part of the government's efforts to improve workers' welfare and stimulate economic growth. However, the success of this initiative depends on workers' adherence to the rules and regulations. As the payment date approaches, many civil servants are anxiously waiting to see if they will benefit from the new salary package ¹.
