Governor Siminalayi Fubara, has pledged a comprehensive enhancement of welfare packages for the Rivers State workforce, intended to alleviate the mounting pressure of the current economic climate.
The Governor made this commitment during the 2026 Workers’ Day commemoration held at Isaac Boro Park, an event organised by the Rivers State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). Addressing the assembly through his representative, the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Odu, the Governor lauded the state’s civil servants for their “resilience and unwavering dedication” to the progress of both the state and the federation.
Governor Fubara characterised Workers’ Day as more than a mere holiday, describing it as a global tribute to the historic struggle for labour rights and a vital opportunity to celebrate the architects of national progress.
“Workers are the foundation of sustainable development. No society can flourish without their contributions,” the Governor remarked, specifically citing their indispensable roles in healthcare, education, and the development of critical infrastructure.
Acknowledging the precipitous rise in the cost of living, the administration reiterated its resolve to ensure that the dignity of labour is matched by adequate compensation and support.
As part of a broader strategy to stimulate the local economy and support livelihoods, the Governor highlighted the state’s ongoing partnership with the Bank of Industry (BoI). This collaboration is designed to provide: Accessible Credit: Soft loans for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Favourable Rates: A modest interest rate of five per cent to encourage entrepreneurship, and Job Creation: Targeted growth intended to bolster the private sector and enhance overall economic stability.
The Governor assured organised labour that the concerns raised during the celebrations would be meticulously reviewed, emphasising that his administration remains “steadfast in fulfilling its promises.”
Earlier in the proceedings, Comrade Alex Agwanwor, Chairman of the NLC in Rivers State, called upon the government to confront the dual threats of rising poverty and insecurity. While he commended the administration for several key milestones including the implementation of the N85,000 minimum wage, the reopening of the Rivers State Transport Company, and the provision of N100,000 end-of-year bonuses he noted that significant work remains.
Specifically, the NLC urged the government to: Recruit Healthcare Professionals: Address the acute shortage of personnel, particularly nurses, and Improve Working Conditions: Enhance the environment within the state’s medical facilities.
Adding his voice to the discourse, the state Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Samuel Ogan, suggested that the current minimum wage has been significantly eroded by inflation. He called for a shift in nomenclature and policy from a “minimum wage” to a more realistic “living wage,” urging for meaningful engagement between the state and labour unions to negotiate a sustainable baseline for all workers.
As the 2026 Workers’ Day concluded, the atmosphere remained one of cautious optimism, with the state government and labour leaders appearing unified in their goal to protect the welfare of the “foundation of the state” amidst global economic volatility.
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