News
Rivers First To Implement Minimum Wage

Rivers State has made history by becoming the first state in Nigeria to fully implement the new N85,000 minimum wage for its workers, exceeding the Federal Government’s approved N70,000 minimum wage.
The Tide reports that the State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, fulfilled his promise to commence payments in November, bringing relief to civil servants in the State.
The commencement of the payment of the N85,000 minimum wage sparked jubilation across the Rivers State Government Secretariat in Port Harcourt, last Thursday as workers began receiving bank alerts reflecting the new wage.
Many workers expressed gratitude to the governor for his commitment to prioritizing their welfare, particularly as the yuletide season approaches.
This is as 14 states and the Federal Capital Territory are yet to implement the new minimum wage, compelling the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to declare indefinite strike in those states and the FCT.
Fubara had emphasized his administration’s commitment to prioritise worker’s welfare in the State despite financial challenges, including attempts to block access to state funds.
Speaking during the launch of the 2025 Armed Forces Emblem Appeal Fund, the governor described the minimum wage payment as part of his “Rivers people first” agenda, which aims to ensure good governance and improve living standards.
“This administration is determined to put happiness in the minds of our people,” Governor Fubara said, reaffirming his commitment to fostering trust between the government and its workforce.
The new minimum wage, introduced amidst widespread economic hardship, highlights Rivers State’s progressive stance on labor rights and economic welfare.
It also sets a benchmark for other states to follow, as many civil servants nationwide continue to struggle with inflation and high living costs.
NLC had, on November 10, given states up to December 1 to implement the minimum wage or face industrial action.
The labour union had expressed deep frustration with the persistent delay and outright refusal by some state governments to implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
It had declared that the delays betrayed the confidence they had in the states, noting that “the act of betrayal by certain governors and government officials across the country flies in the face of both legality and morality, as workers continue to be denied their rightful wages amidst rising economic hardship.”
“It is a blatant disregard for the law and the lives of millions of Nigerian workers, who are being exploited by the very leaders sworn to protect them.”
NLC, therefore, resolved to set up a National Minimum Wage Implementation Committee that will among others commence a nationwide assessment, mobilization and sensitization campaign, educating workers and citizens on the need to resist this assault on their dignity and rights.
“To this end, all state Councils where the National Minimum Wage has not been fully implemented by the last day of November, 2024 have been directed to proceed on strike beginning from the 1st day of December, 2024. Nigerian workers demand justice, and justice they shall have,” NLC directed.
The NLC, in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, last Friday, said states such as Abia, Akwa Ibom, Cross River, Ebonyi, Ekiti, Enugu, Imo, Nasarawa and Kaduna are yet to begin the implementation of the minimum wage.
Others are: Katsina, Oyo, Sokoto, Yobe, Zamfara and the Federal Capital Territory FCT.
In a letter sent to the NLC chairpersons of the affected states on the 29th of November, the union directed the state chapters to immediately commence implementation of the directives to embark on strike, with effect from Monday, 2nd December, 2024.
By: Boye Salau
News
Council Boss Sues For Love, Unity

As Christians across the world celebrate the resurrection of Our Lord Jesus Christ, the Administrator of Opobo/Nkoro Local Government Council of Rivers State, Mr. Frederick Apiafi, has advised Nigerians to love one another.
Mr. Apiafi said the period should be used for sober reflection and demonstration of love, unity and embracing the message of Easter.
This was contained in his Easter message and made available to media houses yesterday, saying that the resurrection of Jesus Christ has equally given birth to a new season of faith, hope , sacrifice and prosperity.
The administrator further used the forum to call on all indigenes and those doing business in the Local Government Area to be their brothers’ keeper at all times.
“As we celebrate the crucifixion and Resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ, let us soberly reflect and demonstrate love and unity particularly indigenes of Opobo/Nkoro,” he said.
Mr. Apiafi reiterated that welfare of workers and the good people of the area would be paramount in his administration.
News
Gunmen Abduct Six Travellers In Kwara

Seven passengers travelling from Abuja to Kwara State were abducted on Saturday along Obbo-Ayegunle road in Ekiti Local Government Area of Kwara State.
Three children of the abducted victims were, however, later released by the unidentified kidnappers, according to reports reaching The Tide’s source in Ilorin yesterday.
The abduction occurred between 17:00-18:00 hours, while the passengers were on board a Sienna vehicle owned by Olumoh Express transport company, heading to Offa from Abuja.
All attempts made so far by the local vigilante to rescue the victims were unsuccessful.
Spokesperson of the state police command, SP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, confirmed the development.
“Armed hoodlums numbering about eight reportedly intercepted a Sienna bus registered FFA 50XD, heading to Offa from Abuja and forcefully abducted seven occupants including the driver.
“Upon receipt of the information, police operatives in collaboration with local vigilantes, responded swiftly to the scene.
“The vehicle was recovered to the nearest police formation. During a coordinated search of the surrounding bush, three children aged between two and 12 years were located and safely rescued.
“One of the children was able to give the police detailed information of her guardian who was contacted and the three rescued children have been reunited with their relatives,” the statement added.
The command said it has intensified efforts through discreet investigation, intelligence gathering and sustained bush combing to track down the perpetrators and secure the safe rescue of the remaining victims.
Commissioner of Police, Adekimi Ojo, reiterated the commitment of the command to the safety and protection of all residents, urging those with useful information to report through the established channels of the state police command.
News
HYPREP Moves To Complete Ongoing Projects This Year

The Hydrocarbon Pollution Remediation Project (HYPREP) has set machinery in motion to complete ongoing projects this year in line with its new policy thrust.
The Project Coordinator of HYPREP, Prof Nenibarini Zabbey, who gave this indication while addressing participants during the Project’s first quarter interactive session with Ogoni youths in Port Harcourt, said the agency is this year, drawing from a new policy thrust that prioritises timely completion of all projects within stated timelines.
The Project Coordinator noted that as a community-based project, HYPREP understands the urgency of protecting the environment and improving livelihoods in line with its mandate.
He disclosed that the Centre of Excellence for Environmental Restoration(CEER) for example, is currently being painted, as part of its final finishing works, stressing that HYPREP is ensuring that the centre is commissioned this year for public use.
According to him, the Technical Planning Committee for the CEER had submitted its report which contains various recommendations for the operationalisation of the centre.
He further disclosed that the shoreline remediation project is at a completion rate of 39.4 percent, saying, HYPREP has in this area recovered, evaluated and treated over 937,000 litres of oily sludge from the mangrove sediment, as well as evacuated over 1.7million kilogrammes of solid waste from the Ogoni creeks.
According to him, the mangrove restoration project has reached 86 percent completion rate, while the monitoring of the planted mangrove grids is progressing well.
He said HYPREP has also initiated a practical framework for long-term monitoring to ensure the Project’s objectives are met.
The Project Coordinator said HYPREP has achieved significant milestones in the ongoing construction of new water facilities in Ogoni communities, stressing that it is determined to commission the new water facilities in the various communities in the third quarter of this year.
He assured the participants that HYPREP would commission water facilities every two months in Ogoni communities.
Zabbey announced that the Creative Arts training for more Ogoni youths would begin in the second quarter of the year, while other array of interventions to support small and medium scale businesses would be rolled out in the coming weeks.
He revealed that the construction of the Ogoni Specialist Hospital has advanced to a completion rate of 70 percent, while that of Buan Cottage Hospital has reached 93.8 percent.
He also disclosed that in March, the Project Coordination Office took delivery of the first batch of equipment and electrical parts for the Ogoni Power Project, and expects further deliveries in this second quarter.
Zabbey said HYPREP has also deepened its engagement with critical stakeholders, including Ogoni youths and women, adding that this periodic interactive session remains a key part of its yearly work plan to ensure that their voices are heard.
He hinted that some selected youth leaders would benefit from the second batch of the Ogoni traditional rulers and other key stakeholders workshop on mechanism for alternative dispute resolution.
At the interactive session, Dr Sorbarikor Lebura of the Rivers State University delivered a keynote address on how to be on the right side of history, and encouraged Ogoni youths to always strive to be on the right side of history through their actions.
On her part, HYPREP’s Head of Sustainable Livelihood, Mrs Josephine Nzidee told the participants that the project is working hard to close out on the training of 5,000 Ogoni youths and women by ensuring that all trainees get their starter packs.
She assured persons living with disabilities in particular that HYPREP would provide more empowerment opportunities to them.
Also, the Head of Potable Water Unit, Mr Lucky Ikue announced that the Terebor water scheme, which had been out of use for some time now, due to technical glitches, would be functional soon, as the station manager has been relieved of his duties.
By: Donatus Ebi
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