The Rivers State Government has clarified that the ₦100,000 Christmas bonus paid annually is extended to all civil servants, public office holders, and pensioners on the state’s payroll without discrimination.
The clarification was made by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, in a statement issued in response to the Nigeria Labour Congress’ (NLC) commendation of the recent bonus payment.
According to Dr Sirawoo, the bonus is disbursed across board to workers and pensioners duly captured on the Rivers State Government payroll system. He noted that the payment has been a consistent annual practice over the past three years.
While declining to comment on reports that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly rejected the bonus, Dr Sirawoo explained that the gesture is intended as a token of appreciation for the commitment and service of workers throughout the year.
He stressed that Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains committed to policies that strengthen social welfare and provide a safety net for state employees and their families.
Dr Sirawoo also described the NLC as a key partner in the administration’s “Rivers First” development agenda, adding that the union’s public acknowledgement of the bonus reflects the cordial relationship between the government and the workforce.
He noted that workers remain a major source of pride for the state government, adding that while the bonus is meant to ease the festive season, the administration’s long-term priority is the continuous improvement of working conditions and workers’ welfare across the state.
