Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State has granted approval for a substantial Christmas bonus of N100,000 to every civil servant in the state.
This gesture extends to the vast workforce spread across various Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, impacting millions of workers.
The announcement was made by the State Commissioner for Information and Communication, Mr. Joe Johnson, who confirmed that the approval was granted on Tuesday. Mr. Johnson emphasized the immediacy of implementation, ensuring that civil servants can enjoy a festive and memorable yuletide season.
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This is the first time in a considerable period that civil servants in Rivers State will be receiving Christmas bonuses. Notably, the bonus amount of N100,000 far surpasses the nation’s minimum wage, exceeding it by more than three times.
Governor Fubara, who has consistently expressed his commitment to enhancing the welfare of civil servants and advocating for the well-being of low-income earners in the state, reiterated this stance during the presentation of the 2024 budget proposal.
The budget, totaling N800 billion, was submitted to the Rivers State House of Assembly led by Edison Ehie last week.
During the budget presentation, Governor Fubara assured the assembly of his intent to address the manpower deficit in the civil service by expediting the recruitment process for additional staff.
Worth noting is Governor Fubara’s unique position as the first civil servant to assume the role of Governor in Rivers State, having previously served as the state’s Accountant General. His background in public service seems to inform his approach, prioritizing the needs and interests of the state’s civil servants.