Rivers State Administrator Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd) has unveiled a comprehensive workers’ welfare package during his Workers’ Day statewide broadcast, signaling a new phase of labor-friendly policies in the oil-rich state.
Speaking from the Government House in Port Harcourt, the retired naval chief rolled out immediate and medium-term interventions:
✔ Salary & Pension Assurance: Guaranteed timely payment of salaries and pensions
✔ Minimum Wage Compliance: Full implementation across state and local government workers
✔ Pension Scheme Review: Planned overhaul of the contributory pension system
✔ Capacity Building: Two-week leadership training program for civil servants
“Your sweat oils the machinery of our state’s progress,” Ibas told workers, acknowledging their resilience amid economic headwinds. The administrator specifically praised teachers, healthcare workers, and civil servants for maintaining service delivery despite operational challenges.
The address struck a conciliatory tone on lingering labor disputes, with Ibas directing the Head of Service to resolve all outstanding salary issues within 30 days. This follows recent tensions between labor unions and the state government over wage arrears.
On infrastructure, the administrator revealed plans to renovate the State Secretariat Complex and upgrade staff housing facilities – projects labor leaders have long advocated. The proposed civil service training initiative will focus on digital governance, ethical leadership, and productivity enhancement.
The state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress has welcomed the proposals but maintains cautious optimism pending implementation.
