Fubara approves N2bn monthly to clear pension, gratuity arrears
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced that the state government will set aside N2 billion monthly to offset the backlog of pension and gratuity to retired civil servants.
This move is aimed at clearing the outstanding payments and ensuring effective implementation of payment of gratuities and pensions to retired civil servants.
Speaking at the 2024 Rivers State Civil Service Week in Port Harcourt, Fubara explained that the payment has been increased from N1 billion to N2 billion monthly to address the backlog and ensure that retired civil servants receive their entitlements promptly.
The governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Tammy Danagogo, assured that Rivers State will be among the first states to adopt the Federal Government-approved new minimum wage once the implementation modalities are released.
Fubara acknowledged the crucial role of the civil service in the state’s development, 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 highlighted his administration’s commitment to improving the lives of civil servants, including the reintroduction of training for resident doctors, recruitment of new medical doctors, and approval of certification for ICT staff in various digital certifications.
He also instituted the state health insurance scheme, appointed new permanent secretaries with vehicles provided to enhance their performance, and promised to improve the quality of lives of civil servants in the state.
The Speaker of the Rivers State House of Assembly, Victor Oko-Jumbo, congratulated the civil servants on their week and called for commitment to building a resilient and inclusive civil service.
The Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, thanked Fubara for his devotion to ensuring an improved and efficient civil service.
A don, Prof. Godwin Okon, from the Rivers State University, Port Harcourt delivered the keynote address on the theme for the Rivers State Civil Service Week.
