In a bid to address the absence of an updated workforce record, the Rivers State Government has approved the comprehensive verification exercise for all staff and pensioners under the state.
The Sole Administrator of the state, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas speaking at a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Labour Congress and the Nigerian Union of Pensioners at Government House, Port Harcourt pledged to implement new measures to ensure that government employees can access their pension and welfare benefits more efficiently and without unnecessary delays.
He explained that his administration discovered significant gaps in the pension management system, particularly the absence of proper and verifiable records of pension payments.
To address the identified gaps, he said a more transparent payment process was introduced to ensure that pension funds are paid directly into the personal accounts of retirees.
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Retired Vice Admiral Ibas noted that the Contributory Pension Scheme that began on July 1st 2025, will be complemented, while all backlog of pension contributions will be paid, including making the necessary investments for the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS) to operate side by side with the contributory pension scheme.
He assured of continued engagement with the leadership of the Labour Unions, National Pension Commission, and other stakeholders in honest conversations and collaborative action to ensure that those who served faithfully are not left in distress.
Also speaking, the Acting Head of Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. Inyingi Brown, explained that the Contributory Pension Scheme took effect from 1st of July, 2025 and thanked the Administrator for the meeting, which is geared towards charting a way forward to addressing the nagging issues.
The Rivers State Chairman of Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, in his remarks, said the meeting was timely as it has addressed the fear and financial burden of workers and retirees in getting requisite benefits during and after years of service.
