The Rivers State government has started implementing the recently approved ₦85,000 minimum wage for its workers. Public school teachers and other state workers celebrated upon receiving their November salary alerts, which confirmed that the new wage had been applied.
In July 2024, President Bola Tinubu approved ₦70,000 as the national minimum wage to help ease economic challenges, following pressure from labor unions. However, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, set the state’s minimum wage at ₦85,000, with the assurance that it would be funded through the state’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
Governor Fubara also reported a significant increase in the state’s IGR, from ₦11 billion under the previous administration to ₦27 billion under his leadership.
Chukwuma Osunna, Chairman of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (Rivers State chapter), confirmed the implementation of the new wage structure, stating, “The Governor has fulfilled his promise. As of November 27, 2024, I can confirm that the ₦85,000 minimum wage has been paid to workers, and they are happy with the outcome.”
Osunna explained that the union met with the Head of Service, reviewed the salary chart, and verified the wage implementation. Payments began on November 27, with other banks expected to process payments by the following day.
State workers expressed their gratitude, with many saying the new wage would boost their morale and productivity. John Amayofoi, from the Ministry of Information, praised the government for keeping its promise: “This is what government should be, keeping to promises, not the political promises we have seen in the past.”
Mrs. Angela Nkem, a worker at the Ministry of Tourism, stated that the increased wage would help ease the financial strain many are experiencing.
Online videos showed public school teachers celebrating their increased wages, with one teacher remarking, “The era has gone that teachers will use a ruler to measure yam.”