PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria (CHATNEWSTV) — Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has fulfilled his promise to implement a new minimum wage, with state workers receiving N85,000 in their November salaries.
Chukwuma Osunna, chairman of the Nigeria Civil Service Union in Rivers, confirmed the development on Wednesday, describing it as a significant boost for civil servants.
“As of today, November 27, 2024, I can confirm that the governor has paid the N85,000 new minimum wage to workers, and the workers are happy,” Osunna told Tribune.
He added that the payment process began on Tuesday and will continue as banks finalize disbursements.
“We met under the joint council, sat with the Head of Service, reviewed the salary chart, and confirmed that the N85,000 is well calculated and implemented in the November salary of workers,” Osunna said.
The announcement follows Governor Fubara’s approval of the wage increase in October after discussions with labor leaders and senior government officials. George Nwaeke, the Head of Service, initially disclosed the agreement after a closed-door meeting.
Workers Praise Fubara’s Action
Labor leaders, including Chukwu Emecheta, chairman of the Joint Negotiation Team, commended the governor for keeping his word.
“This development is a testament to Governor Fubara’s dedication to the welfare of workers in Rivers State,” Emecheta said. “He has set an example of responsive and responsible governance.”
The wage increase positions Rivers State among the highest-paying states in Nigeria, as workers across the country continue to advocate for better compensation amid rising inflation.
