The Rivers State Government has announced plans to carry out a comprehensive renovation of the State Secretariat Complex, with restricted staff attendance set to take effect from January 2, 2026.
According to the government, only essential staff will be required to report physically for duty during the renovation period, following a directive issued by Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
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The measure is aimed at ensuring the safety of civil servants and creating an enabling environment for contractors to carry out their work without interference.
The Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. Inyingi Brown, disclosed the development in a statement, explaining that the decision became necessary due to the scope and scale of the planned renovation. She noted that limiting physical presence within the complex would reduce risks to staff while facilitating timely completion of the project.
Dr. Brown directed Permanent Secretaries and Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to ensure strict compliance with the guidelines governing staff attendance throughout the renovation period. She stressed that only officers whose services are deemed critical to government operations should be on-site, while others are expected to comply with alternative work arrangements as may be approved by their respective MDAs.
The state government said the renovation exercise is part of ongoing efforts to improve infrastructure within public service institutions and provide a safer, more conducive working environment for civil servants.
Residents and public servants have been urged to cooperate with the temporary measures, as the government assured that the restrictions are not permanent and will be lifted once the renovation is completed.
The Rivers State Government reiterated its commitment to staff welfare and workplace safety, adding that updates on the renovation progress and resumption of full activities at the secretariat will be communicated in due course.
