PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria – The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd), has directed the Heads of Local Government Administration to ensure the immediate payment of outstanding salaries owed to local government workers.
The announcement came during a meeting with local government heads and leaders of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Port Harcourt on Friday, March 21, 2025.
Ibas expressed regret over the non-payment of salaries for February and March, attributing the delay to the withholding of local government allocations following a Supreme Court ruling.
“I sincerely feel the pain of these workers, many of whom have endured months of financial strain,” Ibas said.
“I hereby issue a directive that all the necessary steps be taken to ensure that these salaries are paid with no further delay.”
Ibas emphasised the importance of the local government system as the third tier of government, describing it as the closest to the people.
He urged local government leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens and uphold the principles of transparency and accountability.
“As leaders, we must feel the pains of our people and offer them a more positive, inclusive, and transformative leadership,” Ibas said.
“This is the mandate I have accepted, and it is the standard I expect from all of you.”
To ensure accountability, Ibas directed all local government areas to submit their wage bills to his office through the Head of Service.
He warned against reckless spending and misuse of public funds, vowing to take decisive action against anyone found guilty of financial misconduct.
“My administration will not tolerate any form of recklessness, abuse of office, or misuse of public funds,” he stated.
“Henceforth, there must be accountability and value for money. I have just six months, but we must ensure that the people of Rivers State deserve to see how their money is used, and it is our duty to ensure that every kobo is accounted for.”
Ibas also pledged to implement measures to monitor financial activities at the local government level, ensuring that every decision and policy aligns with the principles of transparency and service to the people.
In his address, Clifford Paul, President of NULGE in Rivers State and Head of Local Government Administration for Port Harcourt, acknowledged the challenges faced by workers due to the unpaid salaries.
He commended Ibas for his directive and expressed hope that the Sole Administrator’s leadership would bring peace and stability to the state.
“Rivers State has experienced slow development, with political conflicts creating much tension,” Paul said.
“But with the Sole Administrator on the saddle, we are hopeful that greater peace will return to the state.”
Paul pledged the union’s support for the administration’s efforts to restore stability and ensure the welfare of workers.
