Siminalayi Fubara, the governor of Rivers State, has declared that the state will set aside N2 billion each month to make up for the pension and gratuity arrears owed to retired public employees.
The purpose of this action is to pay off the outstanding debt and guarantee that retired civil servants receive their gratuities and pensions in a timely manner.
Fubara revealed that the payment has been increased from N1 billion to N2 billion per month in order to clear the backlog and guarantee that retired public officials receive their benefits on time at the 2024 Rivers State public Service Week in Port Harcourt.
The governor promised that Rivers State will be among the first states to embrace the new minimum wage agreed by the federal government as soon as the implementation details are made public. The governor was represented by Dr. Tammy Danagogo, Secretary to the State Government.
Fubara stated that he understood the vital role the civil service played in the growth of the state saying, “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.”
The governor outlined the measures his administration has taken to better the lot of public servants, such as approving the certification of ICT personnel in multiple digital certificates, hiring more medical physicians, and bringing back resident doctor training.
Along with establishing the state health insurance program and appointing new permanent secretaries who would receive cars to improve their work, he also pledged to raise the standard of living for state employees.
In addition to congratulating the government officials on their week, Victor Oko-Jumbo, Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, urged dedication to creating a robust and diverse civil service. Fubara was commended by Head of Service Dr. George Nwaeke for his commitment to a more effective and efficient public service.
The keynote presentation for Rivers State Civil Service Week was given by a don, Prof. Godwin Okon, of Rivers State University, Port Harcourt.
