The Rivers State Government has announced plans to allocate ₦2 billion each month towards clearing the backlog of pensions and gratuities owed to retired civil servants.
The event, themed “Building Resilient Education for Increased Access to Inclusive Lifelong Quality and Relevant Learning in the Rivers State Civil Service,” served as a platform for the governor to outline key policies aimed at enhancing the welfare of civil servants.
This commitment was revealed by the state governor, Siminalayi Fubara, during the 2024 Rivers State Civil Service Week in Port Harcourt.
Fubara explained that the monthly pension allocation had been increased from ₦1 billion to ₦2 billion, a move designed to expedite the payment of outstanding pensions and gratuities.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, the governor also pledged that Rivers State would be among the first to adopt the new minimum wage once it is approved by the Federal Government.
“As soon as the implementation modalities for the new minimum wage are released by the Federal Government, I reassure you that Rivers State will be one of the first states in the country to implement it,” he stated.
The governor emphasized the critical role of civil servants, stating, “We recognise that the civil service is the institutional memory of the government.
“No government can stand without its support…, you are the health professionals who care for our health, the teachers who train our children, judicial officers who ensure that there is justice, virtually every spectrum of life and governance, you are the people.”
In a bid to ensure the continuous development of the state, Fubara noted that his administration has reinstated the training of resident doctors and the recruitment of new medical personnel.
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He also highlighted the hiring of staff for the Universal Basic Education system and Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, as well as the certification of ICT personnel.
Additionally, the governor mentioned that the state health insurance scheme has been established, and new permanent secretaries have been appointed, with vehicles provided to enhance their performance.
He further assured that the government would continue to take steps to improve the quality of life for civil servants.
“In realising this, I want you to note that to whom much is given, much is expected. I therefore charge you to live up to your call to duty,” he urged.
Fubara also encouraged civil servants to align with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aiming to boost productivity and overall efficiency within the civil service.
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo, congratulated civil servants on the occasion and called for dedication in building a more resilient and inclusive civil service, with a focus on education and continuous learning.
In addition, Professor Godwin Okon of the Rivers State University delivered a keynote address that explored the theme of the civil service week, highlighting the importance of lifelong learning and resilience within the civil service.
Meanwhile, the Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for his commitment to an improved and efficient civil service.
