October 18, (THEWILL) – Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved N85,000 minimum wage for civil servants in the state.
This decision was reached on Friday, during a closed-door meeting with representatives of the organised labour under the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council at Government House, in Port Harcourt.
Addressing the media after the meeting, Head of the State Civil Service, George Nwaeke, said the government will begin payments in November 2024.
“He (Governor Fubara) has set a figure that is higher than the national minimum wage, approving N85,000.00. This is a significant development for civil servants in Rivers State, who have never had it this good since the state’s inception”, Nwaeke said.
When asked about the payment of arrears, Nwaeke said technical committee has been established to develop a workable payment plan that will also address issues related to arrears.
“The committee, which I will serve as Deputy to the Secretary to the State Government, will iron out the details regarding the payment of arrears and inform the public accordingly”, he explained.
Comrade Emecheta Chuku, Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, described the N85,000 minimum wage as a significant gesture from the governor, showing his care and support for the workers. He expressed appreciation for the governor’s dedication, despite the ongoing challenges in the state.
“For the governor to approve this new minimum wage amidst all the difficulties is a clear demonstration of his commitment to the well-being of the workers. We are overjoyed by this decision”, Chuku said.
Comrade Alex Agwanwor, Chairman of the State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), confirmed the approval.
“With Lagos and Rivers both approving N85,000, but given their differing IGRs, this places Rivers State at the forefront. The governor has proven once again that he is the most labour-friendly governor in Nigeria, and we fully support him”, Agwanwor said.
