Rivers State Governor Approves N85,000 Minimum Wage for Civil Servants

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has approved an increase in the minimum wage for civil servants to N85,000. This new wage, set to be implemented in November 2024, positions Rivers State as the leading state in Nigeria for civil servant pay, surpassing even Lagos State.

The announcement was made following a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt, attended by representatives of organized labor under the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council. The meeting culminated in a statement issued by Nelson Chukwudi, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.

Dr. George Nwaeke, Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, expressed his satisfaction with the decision, describing it as a historic improvement for the state's workforce. "He (Fubara) has announced a figure that is higher than the National Minimum Wage," Nwaeke stated. "As the Head of Service and a major stakeholder in the labor family, I am very pleased to say that Rivers State civil servants have never had it this good since the inception of this state."

The approval of the N85,000 minimum wage has been met with enthusiasm from labor leaders. Emecheta Chuku, Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, highlighted the significance of the governor's decision amidst ongoing challenges. "For the governor to come, despite all the crises and challenges he is facing, and to declare that he will pay N85,000.00 as the minimum wage, fills our hearts with joy," Chuku remarked.

Alex Agwanwor, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Rivers State Chapter, noted that this move places Rivers State ahead of Lagos State in terms of minimum wage payments. "We are the best, and we want to continue commending the governor," Agwanwor said. "We assure him that, as far as this state is concerned, labor will stand with him."

To ensure smooth implementation, a technical committee has been established to develop a feasible payment chart addressing any outstanding arrears.