Indications have emerged that civil servants in Rivers State may soon receive an upward review of their allowances, as the state government considers measures to further improve workers’ welfare.
The Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Odu, dropped the hint on Friday during the 2026 May Day celebration held at Isaac Boro Park in Port Harcourt, where she represented Governor Siminalayi Fubara.
Prof. Odu said the administration remains committed to policies that stimulate economic growth, create employment opportunities, and enhance the standard of living of residents. She noted that the state’s Small and Micro Enterprise Fund has continued to support entrepreneurs and boost economic activities across Rivers State.
She assured organised labour that the government would keep faith with its promises, signalling possible alignment with recent improvements in allowances at the federal level.
Earlier, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Rivers State chapter, Alex Agwanwor, commended the government for implementing an N85,000 minimum wage, paying a N100,000 Christmas bonus, reviving the state transport company, and rehabilitating the State Secretariat Complex.
However, Agwanwor presented a list of demands, including the scrapping of the contributory pension scheme, extension of retirement age from 60 to 65 years or 35 to 40 years of service, implementation of a consolidated legislative salary structure, review of service allowances, and recruitment of more nurses into the state healthcare system.
In a separate goodwill message to mark the occasion, Governor Fubara praised the NLC, Trade Union Congress (TUC), and their affiliates for prioritising dialogue over confrontation in resolving industrial disputes, a development he said has sustained industrial harmony in the state.
The governor commended workers for maintaining peace and stability despite political challenges, noting that their resilience ensured that public services remained uninterrupted.
“Despite political storms, you did not down tools. Our schools did not shut. Our hospitals did not close. That is because you chose service over strife. Rivers State owes you a debt of gratitude,” Fubara said.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, highlighting prompt salary payments, ongoing pension settlements, and the rehabilitation of the State Secretariat Complex to improve productivity.
Fubara acknowledged the rising cost of living but assured workers that the government would not betray their trust, urging them to remain diligent and committed to service.
The May Day celebration drew workers from various sectors across the state, who gathered to commemorate their contributions to development and press for improved welfare.
