The Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has approved a new minimum wage of N85,000.00 for civil servants employed by the state government.
The decision was reached during a closed-door meeting at the Government House in Port Harcourt, presided over by the Governor and attended by representatives of organized labour under the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC).
The announcement was made in a statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, and shared with the press.
Dr. George Nwaeke, the Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, briefed journalists after the meeting, confirming that the new minimum wage would be implemented starting in November 2024.
“Governor Fubara has graciously approved a new minimum wage of N85,000.00,” Nwaeke stated, adding that a technical committee has been established to develop a feasible payment chart that will address any issues of arrears.
Emecheta Chuku, the Rivers State Chairman of the JPSNC, expressed satisfaction with the outcome of the meeting.
“This is our first meeting with Governor Fubara to discuss the issue of the new minimum wage as approved by the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The gracious approval of the N85,000.00 new minimum wage is very appealing to the labour leaders and demonstrates care for the workers,” he said.
Alex Agwanwor, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Rivers State Chapter, also praised the approval, noting that it places Rivers State ahead of Lagos State as the highest minimum wage-paying state for civil servants in Nigeria.
