Workers previously earning N70,000 now receiving N120,000 – Nigerian gov

The implementation of a new minimum wage in Rivers State has led to a significant increase in workers’ salaries, with those previously earning between N70,000 and N80,000 now receiving between N120,000 and N140,000.

Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara disclosed this on Thursday, announcing that his administration has commenced payment of a minimum wage of N85,000 for state employees.

He noted that the wage adjustment was implemented despite challenges posed by individuals he described as “enemies of the state” attempting to disrupt funding.

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Governor Fubara made the remarks during the launch of the 2025 Armed Forces Remembrance Emblem Appeal Fund at the Government House in Port Harcourt. He highlighted that the salary increase has provided much-needed relief to civil servants and emphasized that uplifting workers’ welfare is one of the most significant achievements in governance.

“The greatest achievement in governance is the ability to put smiles on people’s faces by improving their welfare,” he said. “Workers who previously earned between N70,000 and N80,000 now receive between N120,000 and N140,000 under the new wage structure.”

Reaffirming his reliance on divine guidance in governing the state, Fubara remarked, “Only God gives power.”

The governor praised the collaboration of security agencies in maintaining peace in the state and called on them to continue acting justly, despite external pressures.

During the event, Governor Fubara pledged a N40 million donation to the Nigerian Legion, doubling last year’s contribution of N20 million. Reflecting on his connection to the military, he shared that being the son of a military officer gave him insight into the sacrifices made by fallen heroes and their families.

While acknowledging the state’s inability to fully compensate for these sacrifices, he promised continued support for the families of fallen soldiers. He also addressed concerns raised by the acting chairman of the Nigerian Legion regarding the 50 employment slots for children of deceased soldiers promised last year.

Fubara explained that recruitment in the civil service had been temporarily suspended due to the state’s focus on hiring specialized professionals like teachers and doctors. He noted that more than 2,000 doctors had already been employed, and plans were in motion to recruit 1,000 teachers for primary and secondary schools.

Regarding education support, the governor said the state was sponsoring students in professional fields, including 150 indigenes at PAMO University of Medical Sciences and others at Wigwe University.

He urged legionnaires to remain patient, assuring them that the government would soon begin processing scholarship applications.