News
As Civil Servants Await Salary Review
Rivers State government’s spirit of benevolence and collectiveness was further exhibited recently, as it announced plans to review the condition of service of civil servants in the state. The move is part of government’s efforts to embrace service delivery and make its workers take home pay comparatively better in the federation.
Indeed, to demonstrate government’s avowed determination to effect the review of workers’ salary, the state Commissioner for Information, Mrs Ibim Semenitari who dropped the hint said a committee which is being headed by the state Head of Service, Mrs Esther Anucha, would review the current pay structure of the workers in line with Governor Chibuike Amaechi administration’s belief in paying its workers a living wage.
Besides, the Information Commissioner said government was desirous of paying all civil servants in the state the same consolidated salary as their counterparts in the federal civil service, and stressed that the state government would maintain its stand that no state in the federation pays its workers higher than Rivers State.
This in effect, means that civil servants both in the mainstream and the parastatals would soon smile home monthly with fat pay envelopes. Suffice is to say that this gesture, no doubt, has in no mean way, demonstrated that the state governor is indeed, a benevolent and liberal man, who imbibes the spirit of the proverb of ‘live and let live”.
It is instructive to state that Governor Amaechi’s implementation of the January 2009 Federal Government’s 15% consolidated public salary structure shortly after he assumed duty as governor, was a historical landmark in the state, especially as several other state governments are yet to implement it. Amaechi’s gesture also shows that he is caring and carrying along all employees of government.
That said, now that the Governor Amaechi-led government has shown what could be termed as ‘sufficient benevolence’, it behoves all civil servants to rise to the occasion and perform their job(s) creditably, to justify the purpose for which they were employed.
In the past few months, speculations were rife that the state government would not review upward the present public salary structure for civil servants working for the government, as currently being worked out by the federal government. The insinuations, to a great extent, dampened the morale of civil servants across the state.
But given the state government’s recent move to review upward the consolidated salary structure, the fears of civil servants on the mind-boggling issue have been laid to rest.
This is why employees in the civil service, being the engine room of government, must redouble their efforts in the discharge of their schedules, as they await the review of the consolidated public salary structure.
As the saying goes “to whom much is given, much is expected.” Therefore, public servants must reciprocate the new consolidated salary package, although yet to be implemented. They must imbibe the spirit of hardwork in order to improve their productivity.
To achieve this, top government functionaries, must henceforth beam their searchlight on indolent workers, and those found wanting should be showed the way out, no matter whose ox is gored. Yes, they cannot enjoy fat monthly pay envelopes and exhibit indiscipline.
It is common knowledge that government’s job is always seen or regarded as “no man’s job”. That was in the past. It must no longer be so now.
At this juncture, it is also imperative to state that the policy of salary review for civil servants, is one of the devices of any government to move workers on the part of sustainable economic recovery and development.
Therefore, the state government’s current resolve to review upward the salary of civil servants must be reciprocated (through hardwork) by all concerned.
The 2025 annual general meeting (AGM) and conference of the Rivers/Bayelsa states chapter of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has come to a close with a strong call for both states to drive the blue economy.
The communique just issued after the AGM pointed to what it called emerging prospects in fish processing, seaweed cultivation, ship repair, and marine technology.
The communique which also mentioned human capital gaps that must be filled through technical and vocational training that are aligned with modern industrial needs, said the blue economy represents a viable pathway for Nigeria’s industrialisation.
It said MAN and Arican Marine Environment Sustainability Initiative (AFMESI) have the capacity to unlock Nigeria’s blue economy sustainably and inclusively, but said the region required dedicated infrastructure upgrades, including roads, waterways, and power.
The communique was signed by Vincent Okuku (Chairman of Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch); Michael Nosa Agana (Branch Vice Chairman/Chairman AGM planning Committee); and Chibuzor Eze (Executive Secretary, Rivers/Bayelsa States Branch).
The resolutions said the future of the Niger Delta economy lies in diversification rather than dependence on extractive industries. “Technology and innovation, value addition and local processing, strategic infrastructure, and a skilled workforce are essential pillars for the future of manufacturing in the region.
“Governments in the region must intensify support for manufacturing activities. Various forms of collaboration across sectors should be actively encouraged.”
It specifically advised Bayelsa and Rivers States to fully develop and harness the blue economy as strategic gateways for sustainable growth; and called for cross-border partnerships with neighbouring states to enhance trade, security, and environmental management.”
The Rivers/Bayelsa States branch of MAN held its first (41st) AGM outside Port Harcourt for the first time, hosted by Bayelsa State Government at the Chief D.S.P. Alamieyeseigha Memorial Banquet Hall, with the theme: ‘Trade, Technology, and the Future of Manufacturing in the Niger Delta.’
In his welcome address, the chairman of the branch, Okuku, commended the Bayelsa State Government under the leadership of Gov Douye Diri for its efforts in industrial development, investment promotion, and strong partnership with the private sector.
He also acknowledged the Rivers State Government for its commitment to rehabilitating industrial clusters, improving access roads, and delivering key infrastructure.
He, however, expressed concern over persistent challenges such as high energy costs, unreliable electricity supply, weak transport systems, rising logistics expenses, multiple taxes and levies, inconsistent regulatory frameworks, and pressure from host communities, which continue to hinder manufacturing growth in both states.
The President of MAN, Francis Meshioye, noted that the Niger Delta, with its abundant resources and strategic location, holds vast potential for industrial expansion. He called for policy frameworks that promote local manufacturing, enhance trade, and attract investments to the region.
Goodwill messages were delivered by the Minister of the Federal Ministry of Regional Development, Abubakar Momoh, represented by Wasa Festus, Director of Community Development and Education. Another goodwill message was also presented by the Bayelsa State Commissioner for Trade, Industry and Investment, Ebieri Jones.
In his remarks, Gov Diri praised MAN for its contributions to Nigeria’s manufacturing sector, noting its resilience, innovation, and strategic role in national development. He stated that the conference theme aligns with his administration’s mantra of “Assured Prosperity.”
Gov Diri offered 24-hour service to manufacturers wishing to relocate to the state, and highlighted the State’s ongoing transformation through deliberate investment in infrastructure, security, and human capital aimed at positioning Bayelsa State as a hub for industrial growth, particularly in the blue economy, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He further noted that hosting the 41st AGM fulfilled a long-desired aspiration of the State following the successful 2024 MAN event in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. He officially declared the exhibition open.
The Nigerian Education Loan Fund has alerted the public to a fraudulent message circulating online, claiming that the NELFUND Student Loan Registration Portal is open.
The message directs applicants to a third-party link (http://gvly.xyz/Nelfund-Student-Loan, which NELFUND confirms is unauthorised and fraudulent.
In a post obtained from its X handle, yesterday, NELFUND urged students and the general public not to click on the link or provide any personal information, emphasising that the official loan registration portal is only accessible through the Fund’s verified channels.
The agency reminded applicants to exercise caution online and to report any suspicious links or communications claiming to be from NELFUND.
“Applicants are encouraged to always verify official announcements via NELFUND’s official website and social media channels,” NELFUND said.
This advisory comes as part of NELFUND’s ongoing efforts to safeguard students and ensure the integrity of the student loan application process.
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