Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has promised workers in the state enhanced welfare to help alleviate the impact of ongoing economic difficulties.
He made this promise during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration at Isaac Boro Park, organized by the Nigeria Labour Congress, Rivers State chapter.
Represented by Deputy Governor Prof. Ngozi Odu, Fubara praised the dedication, resilience, and contributions of workers toward the development of both the state and the nation.
He emphasized that Workers’ Day, observed worldwide on May 1, serves as a reminder of the historic fight for workers’ rights and provides an opportunity to honor their significant role in national progress.
“Workers are the foundation of sustainable development. No society can flourish without their contributions,” he stated, underscoring their vital roles in education, healthcare, infrastructure development, and economic growth.
Fubara recognized the current challenges related to the cost of living faced by workers and reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing these issues.
He mentioned that the partnership between the state and the Bank of Industry aims to provide soft loans at a five percent interest rate to small and medium-sized enterprises, with the goal of boosting economic growth, creating jobs, and supporting livelihoods.
The governor assured that concerns raised by organized labor would be reviewed and addressed, emphasizing his administration’s dedication to fulfilling its promises to workers.
Earlier, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, Chairman of the NLC in Rivers State, urged the government to confront rising poverty and insecurity, which he identified as major threats to decent work and socio-economic development.
However, he commended the state government for implementing the N85,000 minimum wage, reopening the Rivers State Transport Company, and providing N100,000 end-of-year bonuses for workers.
Agwanwor also called for improvements in outstanding challenges such as increased recruitment in healthcare and better working conditions for nurses.
In a separate interview, Comrade Samuel Ogan, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in the state, requested a review of the minimum wage. He noted that with rising living costs, the current N85,000 is no longer adequate to meet workers’ needs.
He urged for dialogue between labor representatives and government officials to establish a more realistic “living wage” for workers in Rivers State.
