Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced initiatives concerning the state’s civil service sector.
Governor Fubara has committed to being among the first states to implement the new federal minimum wage as soon as it becomes effective.
Additionally, he revealed an increase in the state’s monthly pension and gratuity payments from ₦1 billion to ₦2 billion to address outstanding arrears for retired civil servants.
These announcements were made during the 2024 Rivers State Civil Service Week at the Alfred Diete Spiff Civic Centre in Port Harcourt, where the Governor was represented by Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo.
The Governor said his administration’s focus on improving civil servant welfare, including enhancing training for medical personnel, recruiting educational staff, approving digital certifications for ICT workers, establishing a state health insurance scheme, and appointing new permanent secretaries with improved resources.
The Governor expressed his commitment to elevating the quality of life for civil servants, highlighting their crucial role in various sectors.
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Victor Oko-Jumbo, also addressed the importance of a resilient and inclusive civil service centered on education and lifelong learning.
Dr. George Nwaeke, the Head of Service, praised Governor Fubara for his dedication to strengthening the civil service.
The event featured a keynote address by Prof. Godwin Okon and was attended by notable figures, including the former Chairman of the Rivers State Civil Service Commission, Chief Oris Onyiri, and other government officials.
