The decision was made following a closed-door meeting chaired by the Governor, attended by representatives of organized labor under the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council at the Government House in Port Harcourt on Friday.
Dr. George Nwaeke, the Head of Rivers State Civil Service, confirmed the approval of the new minimum wage by Governor Fubara, stating that the implementation will commence in November 2024.
In addressing potential arrears of the new wage, Nwaeke mentioned the formation of a technical committee to develop a feasible payment plan.
Emecheta Chuku, the Rivers State Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, expressed satisfaction with the N85,000 wage, highlighting it as a gesture of goodwill towards workers and commended the Governor for his decision.
Comrade Alex Agwanwor, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers State Chapter, emphasized that Rivers State now surpasses Lagos State with the highest minimum wage for civil servants in Nigeria and commended the Governor for his commitment to the welfare of workers.
The decision to increase the minimum wage demonstrates the State's dedication to improving the welfare of civil servants and aligning with the Federal Government's approved rate.