[By Abigail Philip David]
Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has approved a new minimum wage of N85,000 for civil servants employed by the state government. The decision was made during a closed-door meeting at Government House, Port Harcourt, on Friday, attended by representatives of organized labor under the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council.
This announcement was confirmed in a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi.
Following the meeting, Dr. George Nwaeke, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, shared that the implementation of the new minimum wage would commence in November 2024. He emphasized that the N85,000 wage surpasses the national minimum wage, stating, “Rivers State civil servants have never had it this good since the state’s inception.”
On the issue of arrears, Nwaeke revealed that a technical committee had been formed to determine a payment structure.
Joint Public Service Negotiating Council Chairman Emecheta Chuku expressed satisfaction with the new wage, praising Governor Fubara’s commitment to workers despite ongoing challenges. He described the governor as a responsible leader who understands the importance of a sustainable wage.
Nigeria Labour Congress Rivers State Chairman, Alex Agwanwor, also commended the governor, noting that the new minimum wage makes Rivers one of the top-paying states in the country. He pledged continued support for Governor Fubara, lauding him as the most labor-friendly governor in Nigeria.
