Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a new minimum wage of N85,000 for civil servants in the state, a significant increase over the national standard. The decision was reached during a closed-door meeting between the governor and representatives of organised labour under the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council at Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
The Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Nelson Chukwudi, announced the development in a statement. Dr. George Nwaeke, Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, confirmed that the new wage will take effect in November 2024.
“He [Gov Fubara] pronounced a sum of N85,000, which is higher than the minimum wage prescribed nationally,” Nwaeke stated.
Regarding the issue of arrears, Nwaeke noted that a technical committee has been established to work out the details of payments, including arrears. The committee, led by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), will provide further clarification once the process is finalized.
Emecheta Chuku, the Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, praised Governor Fubara for his commitment to workers’ welfare by offering a minimum wage above the national benchmark.
The new wage decision positions Rivers State as one of the few states offering a minimum wage higher than the Federal Government’s recommendation.
