N85,000 New Minimum Wage Approved for Rivers Workers

Rivers State Leads the Way with N85,000 Minimum Wage

The new wage is not only higher than the national minimum wage but also positions...

Rivers Workers Get N85,000 Pay Raise: Governor Fubara's administration delivers on promise to improve workers' welfare.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara has approved a new minimum wage of N85,000 for civil servants in the state, marking a significant boost to their compensation package. This development was announced by George Nwaeke, the state's Head of Service, after a private meeting with labor leaders and senior government officials.

The new wage is not only higher than the national minimum wage but also positions Rivers State as one of the top-paying states in Nigeria, alongside Lagos State. Implementation of the new wage is set to begin in November 2024, bringing relief to civil servants in the state.

Chukwu Emecheta, Chairman of the Joint Negotiation Team, praised Governor Fubara for fulfilling the expectations of Rivers State workers and his dedication to improving their welfare. Emecheta's sentiments were echoed by Comrade Alex Agwanwor, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers State Chapter, who commended Governor Fubara's decision, noting that it demonstrates his commitment to being a “Champion of Labour” and the most labour-friendly governor in Nigeria.

Highlights of the New Minimum Wage:

New Minimum Wage: N85,000

Implementation Date: November 2024

Comparison to National Minimum Wage: Higher than the national minimum wage

Ranking Among Nigerian States: Matches Lagos State as the highest minimum wage-paying state.

Alex Agwanwor, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in Rivers State, is thrilled about the new minimum wage, saying it will be a game-changer for workers in the state, greatly easing their financial struggles. This boost comes after President Bola Tinubu signed the Minimum Wage Act into law in July, increasing the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000. With this move, Governor Fubara's administration has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting workers, fostering a renewed sense of cooperation between labor and government. This development is especially welcome after years of strained relations, and is expected to bring significant relief to workers facing financial hardship.