The Rivers State Government says it is concluding arrangements to enrol its workforce into the Employees’ Compensation Scheme of the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Benibo Anabraba, disclosed this on Thursday while receiving the Executive Members of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Rivers State Council, during a courtesy visit to his office.
Dr. Anabraba said the government is currently reviewing the policies of the scheme. He explained that once Governor Siminalayi Fubara gives final approval, the scheme will provide medical care, rehabilitation, and compensation for workers who suffer job-related injuries, illnesses, or death.
“We have met with the management of the NSITF and are intentional about commencing the scheme in Rivers State. The welfare of workers remains a top priority of this administration.
“This initiative will ensure that employees who suffer accidents in the line of duty receive adequate care and support, while also giving them a sense of security.”
The SSG added that the state will also work with private-sector operators, including those in the construction industry, to integrate the scheme into their operations. He said companies may be required to obtain NSITF certification as a prerequisite to ensure the protection and safety of local workers.
Dr. Anabraba also expressed concern over the indiscriminate parking of tankers and trucks along major roads in the state, describing it as a threat to public safety and the environment.
He urged the TUC to educate its affiliates such as the Association of Shipping, Clearing and Forwarding Agencies, Union of Tipper and Quarry Employers, and the Road Transport Employers Association on the dangers of the practice and the need to comply with state traffic laws.
According to him, the government may be compelled to take decisive action if the illegal parking persists.
Earlier in his remark, the State Chairman Trade Union Congress (TUC) Rivers State Council, Comrade Dr. Josiah Udoka, congratulated the Secretary to the State Government (SSG) on his appointment and called for stronger collaboration between the labour centre and the state government.
Dr. Udoka described the office of the SSG as the engine room of government, expressing confidence that his wealth of experience would enhance governance in Rivers State.
He said the TUC was committed to sustaining a harmonious working relationship with the government, noting that such cooperation would help labour unions better understand and align with government policies and programmes.
“We are here to reaffirm our commitment to industrial harmony. We want a relationship that ensures we understand government programmes so we do not work in opposite directions,” he stated.
Dr. Udoka, however, raised concerns over recent developments within the TUC at the national level, describing certain actions as unconstitutional and taken without the knowledge of the Rivers State Administrative Council.
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He disclosed that a suspension letter was issued on June 25, 2024, without formal communication to the state council, followed by another directive the next day asking the vice chairman to take over leadership.
He said the Rivers State council decided to maintain calm and avoid confrontation to prevent a crisis that could destabilise the state.
The chairman further highlighted long-standing issues regarding the composition and leadership rotation within the TUC, emphasizing that the Congress was originally founded by the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria before private-sector affiliates were brought in to strengthen industrial relations.
Dr. Udoka noted that the leadership crisis intensified ahead of the September 29 election, prompting the Rivers State council to raise a formal petition dated September 18, 2025, to the national body.
He affirmed the commitment of civil servants in the state to protect the integrity of the union and support a stable government.
