Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, don approve the payment of N85,000 as the new minimum wage for civil servants wey dey work for Rivers State Government. Dis decision come after a closed-door meeting between the governor and representatives of organised labour under the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday.
The Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, wey speak on behalf of the government, confirm say Governor Fubara don graciously approve the new minimum wage of N85,000.00, and say the implementation go start in November 2024. Nwaeke add say, “He (Governor Fubara) has announced a figure that is higher than the National Minimum Wage. He has set a sum of N85,000.00, which is above the minimum wage prescribed nationally.”
Emecheta Chuku, the Rivers State Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, praise Governor Fubara for the approval, saying it shows the governor’s commitment to workers’ welfare. Chuku say, “For the Governor to commit to paying N85,000.00 despite the challenges he is facing demonstrates his love for the workers. Our hearts are full of joy.”
Alex Agwanwor, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Rivers State Chapter, also commend the governor, saying the approval places Rivers State alongside Lagos State as the top minimum wage-paying state in Nigeria. Agwanwor say, “Lagos State said N85,000.00, and Rivers State is also paying N85,000.00. Despite the difference in IGRs between both states, the Governor’s decision to pay the same rate with Lagos puts us at the top.”
On the issue of arrears, Dr. Nwaeke explain say it is yet to be determined, as a technical committee has been established to develop a viable payment plan. He say, “Issues of arrears will be worked out by the committee, where I will serve as the Deputy to the SSG. We are already working on it, and the technical committee will finalize the details and inform the press in due course.”
