Business
Civil Servants Hail Wike’s Dev Strides …Appeal For Promotion, New Wage
Civil servants In Rivers State have applauded Governor Nyesom Wike for the giant development strides of his administration, particularly in the area of infrastructural development like road construction in several parts of the state.
The workers, who made the commendation under the aegis of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) in the State, commended the governor for the recent commissioning of several road projects in several parts of the state.
The Rivers State Chairman of NCSU, Comrade Chuks Osumah, who made the remarks while speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt on Monday said by embarking on the construction of six flyover bridge project at the same time was an indication that Governor Wike was capable of accomplishing any assignment he sets his heart on, and noted that by doing so, the Governor has etched his name on the marble.
He also applauded him for building befitting secretariats for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress in the State.
“ Infact, I know that he built secretariats for the NLC and the TUC. I don’t know where his current problem with labour is coming from but as a father, which the Governor is, I feel this is the time for us to drop our chairs and work together,” he said.
Osumah, however, appealed to Governor Wike to promote workers in the state whom he alleged have been stagnated for several years, stressing that giving attention to the welfare of civil servants would further boost the political profile of the Governor, and applauded him for tirelessly striving to make the state better than he met it in 2015.
On promotion, Osumah said, “Civil servants in the state are begging the Governor to promote them. If you are a civil servant and you are promoted adequately, as a career civil servant, you aim to where you will retire. And when you are not promoted, productivity and morale will be low. That is why we are pleading with the Governor to please promote the civil servants. We know he is a man with human feelings. Let him forget whatever issue he has with labour. He is the father of all civil servants. Let him also know that there is no family in the state that does not have a civil servant”.
Osumah equally appealed to the Governor to inaugurate the tripartite committee to work out the template for the payment of the N30,000 minimum wage to the workers, stressing that the state has the capacity to implement the new wage.
Osumah also pleaded with Governor Wike to pay retired civil servants in the state their gratuity, which he described as starter packs for the civil servants.
He also appealed to the Governor to renovate the state secretariat complex, going by his promise to use construction giant, Julius Berger for the job.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that the 2025 economic indices indicate a positive outlook, with the nation’s GDP expected to accelerate to 4.17 per cent for faster economic growth.
Mr Muhammad Abdullahi, Deputy Governor, Economic Policy Directorate, CBN, revealed this on Tuesday during the 11th edition of the National Economic Outlook: Implications for Businesses in 2025.
The hybrid event, convened in Lagos, was organised by the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) Centre for Financial Studies in collaboration with B. Adedipe Associates Ltd.
Abdullahi said the nation’s 2025 economic projections remained optimistic with fiscal and monetary reforms already paying off, resulting in the GDP anticipated rise from 3.36 per cent recorded in 2024.
According to him, the growth is anchored on sustained implementation of government reforms, stable crude oil prices, and improvements in domestic oil production.
Abdullahi also stated that stability in the exchange rate would play a crucial role in maintaining the positive trajectory, with the inflation rate projected to decline due to the impact of economic reforms.
“Achieving the targeted inflation rate of 15 per cent in 2025 will require effective collaboration between monetary and fiscal authorities, alongside private sector participation for a stable economic environment,” he said.
The keynote speaker said that the apex bank would prioritise price stability and strengthen the financial sector to support SMEs and critical sectors for businesses to thrive.
Abdullahi noted that the nation’s evolving policy landscape presented both challenges and opportunities for businesses to thrive.
“The government is making deliberate strides to diversify its revenue streams and reduce dependence on the volatile oil sector.
“Through ongoing tax reforms aimed at broadening the tax base and improving collection efficiency, the government is working to establish a more sustainable fiscal environment.
“While these reforms may present challenges in the short term, they are essential for building a more resilient and diversified economy in the long run.
“As businesses, it is crucial to adapt to these changes, understanding that they will ultimately strengthen the economic foundation for future growth.
“As we move forward on this path of exploration and collaboration, we must remain focused on the vast opportunities before us.
“Nigeria’s abundant resources, coupled with the current administration’s commitment to economic reform, offer a fertile ground for innovation, investment, and sustainable growth,” Abdullahi said.
Similarly, Prof. Pius Olanrewaju, President/Chairman of the Council, Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN), said 2024 presented both challenges and opportunities.
He noted that the GDP signalled gradual recovery amidst global and domestic pressures.
“As we move into 2025, we are presented with both the opportunity and responsibility to critically examine the economic landscape.
“This forum will help us identify the risks, harness the opportunities, and strategize for the future,” Olarenwaju noted.
He commended the collaboration of experts at the annual event, which included Dr Kabir Katata, Director, Research, Policy and International Relations, Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation; and Dr Henrietta Onwuegbuzie of the Lagos Business School.
Others were Akinsola Akeredolu-Ale, CEO, Lagos Commodities and Fixtures Exchange; Mr Akeem Lawal, Managing Director Interswitch (Pure pay); and Chinwe Uzoho, Regional Managing Director, West and Central Africa Network International.
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