Rivers Workers Verification Reveals 12,000 Ghosts Workers, Pensioners

The ongoing verification of state workers and pensioners in Rivers State has revealed a shocking nearly 12,000 ghost workers and pensioners on the payroll of the state.
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admira Ibok-Ete Ibas, made the revelation in a meeting with leaders of organized labour and local government administrators at Government House.
The verification which began several weeks ago will come to an end on September 4, according to the administrator. It will be done in time before the restoration of Governor Siminalyi Fubara and the House of Assembly that were suspended on March 18 for six months following the declaration of state of emergency in Rivers State.
Ibas said that only 37,703 workers on the payroll of the Rivers State Government were verified out of a total figure of about 43,000 before the verification exercise kicked off, bringing in a shortfall of 5,397.
He said only 19,186 pensioners out of the 25,000 on the pensioners list was verified, while 2,004 local government pensioners out of 2,600 on the payroll were verified.
The administrator revealed that 8,000 local government staff from seven local government areas have been verified so far across seven LGAs, including Obio/Akpor, Bonny, Etche and Degema.
On gratuity and death benefits, Ibas described the prevailing situation as “deeply regrettable.” But he said challenges the government was having with verified records had limited the settlement of arrears to March, 2025.
He said government has instituted investigations into the discovery of an overpayment of ₦117 million in the March schedule. “There must be consequences. Such malpractice is a crime against colleagues whose bereaved families are left in pain and penury,” he declared.
The Acting Head of the Rivers State Civil Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Inyingi Brown, had earlier provided a detailed breakdown of the verification numbers, highlighting the extensive support provided to pensioners, including transport allowances, lunch, and remote participation options for those in the diaspora.
The State Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Alex Agwanwu, expressed delight at the gains of the exercise, noting it has “fostered efficiency, transparency, and professionalism.” The Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Christopher Amadi, appreciated that the exercise did not disrupt salary payments.
Comrade Emecheta Chuku, Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, admitted to initial worker skepticism but confirmed the exercise was well-executed and aimed at “cleaning up the system by identifying impostors,” ultimately commending both the government and workers for its success.
The meeting was called to discuss the comprehensive staff verification and biometric enrolment exercise initiated to enhance transparency and efficiency across the state and local government workforce.
The Administrator assured workers of his administration’s continued collaboration with labour unions.