- I Saved ₦5 Billion From Rivers August Salary Bill – Ibas
- Ghost workers and impostors were removed from the payroll in August.
- Funds will support infrastructure, welfare reforms, and higher minimum wage
The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), has disclosed that his administration saved ₦5 billion from the state’s August salary bill through a comprehensive staff verification exercise.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that Ibas made this known on Tuesday during the grand finale of the 2025 Civil Service Week Celebration held at the Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre, Port Harcourt. He explained that the exercise exposed non-existent workers and impostors who had been illegally drawing salaries from the state payroll.
According to him, the recovered funds will be channelled into critical developmental projects across the state. “This verification exercise has enabled us to distinguish genuine staff from impostors on the payroll. The ₦5 billion saved is not just a figure; it is a testament to our commitment to fiscal responsibility. These funds will now be strategically invested in critical infrastructure and social projects to accelerate the sustainable development of Rivers State,” he said.
A statement signed by the Senior Special Adviser on Media, Hector Igbikiowubo, highlighted that the event, themed “Five Years to 2030: Accelerating Public Service Delivery for a Sustainable Future,” was aimed at celebrating civil servants, whom Ibas described as the “backbone of the administration and unsung heroes.”
He further outlined ongoing reforms to revitalise the civil service. These include enhanced welfare packages, an upward review of salaries and allowances for Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to bridge wage disparities with political office holders, and the implementation of a ₦85,000 minimum wage at the local government level.
Ibas assured that these measures would strengthen the civil service, improve accountability, and ensure more effective delivery of public service in the state.
