Rivers State Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has increased the monthly allocation for the payment of pension arrears, gratuities, and death benefits from ₦2 billion to ₦2.6 billion, as part of sweeping reforms aimed at addressing the challenges facing retirees in the state.
Ibas announced the increase during a meeting with leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the National Union of Pensioners, led by NLC State Chairman Comrade Alex Agwanwu, at the Government House in Port Harcourt.
Highlighting the administration’s efforts to revamp the pension system, Ibas said the old structure was riddled with opacity and poor recordkeeping, with only a few individuals having access to payment details. “It was sad and shameful that our most respected pensioners had to queue up to collect cheques, years after their benefits were due,” he stated.
He emphasized that pension payments are now being made directly into retirees’ personal accounts to eliminate delays and corruption. Since April 2025, pension offices have been mandated to submit detailed monthly schedules of eligible beneficiaries for review and approval.
The Administrator also disclosed that ₦1.8 billion currently sits idle in government accounts, awaiting a complete and verified list of families eligible for death benefits. He directed relevant officials, including the Office of the Head of Service, to immediately resolve the matter and warned that anyone found frustrating the process would be disciplined.
“In addition, I have approved a comprehensive verification exercise for all workers and pensioners in the state to begin next week, to address the lack of updated workforce data,” Ibas announced.
He further revealed that a ₦50 billion budgetary provision has been made for the payment of pension and gratuity arrears, assuring stakeholders that the funds will be disbursed in a phased and transparent manner.
Regarding the Contributory Pension Scheme, which commenced on July 1, 2025, Ibas reaffirmed the state’s commitment to implementing it alongside the Defined Benefits Scheme. He promised to clear all outstanding pension contributions and ensure a smooth transition for workers.
“My administration is determined to resolve all lingering pension and welfare issues. Retired workers deserve dignity, and the families of deceased civil servants must not be left in distress,” he said.
Ibas called on labour unions and stakeholders to continue partnering with the government to build a more efficient and transparent pension system in the state.
