Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has officially approved an increase in the minimum wage for civil servants in the state, raising it to N85,000.
This decision, aimed at alleviating the effects of current economic difficulties, was made during a closed-door meeting with representatives of the organized labour under the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council on Friday at Government House, Port Harcourt.
Speaking after the meeting, Dr. George Nwaeke, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, confirmed the governor’s approval of the new wage, which is notably higher than the national minimum. He announced that the state government will commence payments starting from November 2024.
“He (Governor Fubara) has approved a minimum wage of N85,000.00, which surpasses the national rate. This is indeed a major development for civil servants in Rivers State, who have not experienced such an increase since the state’s inception,” Nwaeke said.
Committee to Handle Payment of Arrears
Addressing concerns regarding the payment of arrears, Dr. Nwaeke revealed that a technical committee has been set up to devise a feasible payment plan that will also consider back payments.
“A committee has been established, with myself as the Deputy to the Secretary to the State Government, to sort out the arrears. The public will be informed once a plan is in place,” Nwaeke added.
Labour Leaders Applaud Governor’s Commitment
Comrade Emecheta Chuku, Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, hailed the governor’s decision as a bold step that showcases his commitment to workers’ welfare.
He expressed his gratitude for Fubara’s support, particularly during these trying times.
“For the governor to approve this new wage despite the numerous challenges is a clear sign of his dedication to the workforce. We are thrilled by this move,” Chuku commented.
Similarly, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, the Chairman of the Rivers State Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), noted that with this approval, Rivers State has joined the ranks of top-paying states, alongside Lagos, which also recently announced an N85,000 minimum wage.
“By approving N85,000, Rivers State now matches Lagos in minimum wage, despite the differences in their internally generated revenues. This further establishes Governor Fubara as the most labour-friendly governor in Nigeria, and we stand fully behind him,” Agwanwor said.
Labour Leaders Reaffirm Support
Labour leaders in Rivers State assured workers that the governor’s decision would be communicated widely and reaffirmed their loyalty to Governor Fubara throughout his administration.
