The Rivers State Sole Administrator (SOLAD), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas (Rtd) has increased the allocation for the payment of pensioners arrears from two billion to two point six billion Naira monthly.
Ibas made the disclosure in a meeting with labour leaders represented by Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and the National Union of Pensioners in the state at Government House in Port Harcourt.
The labour leaders were led by Comrade Alex Agwanwu, state Chairman of NLC. He told them at the meeting that: “This administration believes that open and constructive dialogue is key to addressing the pressing concerns of workers, both active and retired, as well as ensuring the well-being of families, whom loved ones have passed on while serving our dear state.
“We are gathered here today to review and discuss progress made so far, and the way forward, on the following matters: The implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme, Outstanding pension and gratuity payments, Death benefits to the families of deceased civil servant and other labour-related welfare matters that require our collective attention.
“When this administration came on board, we discovered significant gaps in the pension management system, particularly the absence of proper and verifiable records of pension payments.
“To address these gaps, we introduced a more transparent payment process where pension funds are paid directly into the personal accounts of retirees. For instance N2 billion was approved as funds available monthly for the payment of pension, gratuity arrears and death benefits.
“There was no visibility to how those funds were applied or beneficiaries of those payments. That information was available to only a privileged select few at the treasury and pension offices.
“Not only was the opacity sad and shameful, even more painful was that our most respected pensioners had to turn up, queue up, struggle to collect cheques for their benefits that are coming in piecemeal, years after they are due.
“As a pensioner myself, I retired from active duty few years ago, I didn’t have to go queue or struggle to get my benefits. I was therefore determined, to fix this broken system.
“Since April 2025, we set out a path to restructure the benefits assessment and payment system from the opacity of payment. Pension offices are now required to provide the full details of all persons whom are due to receive their benefits arrears.
“These details are to be submitted in form of a schedule monthly, for review, approval and payment. In an effort to capture more pensioners, I have also adjusted upwards the sum available for the payments of arrears to N2.6 billion.
“More retired civil servants are receiving more payments directly into their accounts without having to leave the comfort of their homes. However, we have not been successful with the death benefit payment.
“The reason for this is certainly not from my administration. As of end of June 2025, following the upward adjustment of funds available for the payments there is about 1.8 billion Naira sitting in government account, waiting for a schedule of beneficiaries to be paid.
“That is one thing that must be resolved today. All the parties to this matter are in this room. I have directed my team, working with the Office of Head of Service to discipline any officer(s) posing any challenge to these reforms to the benefits system in Rivers State.
“Under my watch, Pensioners will get their complete benefits on time without having to exert themselves, God willing. The above scenario presents us with a clear challenge.
“The state currently does not have an updated record of its work force and pensioners. We must do something about that. I have therefore approved a staff and pensioners verification exercise across the state, to commence from next week.
“I’m pleased to inform you all, that this administration has made a budgetary provision of ₦50 billion Naira for payment of benefits and gratuity arrears.
“I wish to assure you that this administration is committed to substantially reducing the backlog of benefits due to retired civil servants in Rivers state. We will dutifully follow through with the disbursement of these funds, ensuring that verified pensioners receive what is due to them in a phased and transparent manner.
“Regarding the payment of death benefits to families of our departed colleagues, we have taken steps to streamline the verification process. Our aim is to remove the multiple roadblocks that have previously delayed or denied beneficiaries their entitlements.
“While some claims have been settled, a comprehensive review is still ongoing to ensure that genuine claims are processed and paid without undue delay.
“The Contributory Pension Scheme has began on July 1st 2025. We are therefore bound by law to implement this scheme. I am however, not unaware of some of the pending issues that needs to be resolved for the scheme to be fully operational and for the benefits to begin to accrue to the state civil servants.
“I commit to the payment of all backlog of pension contributions and making the necessary investments for the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS) to operate side by side the contributory pension scheme effectively and efficiently during the transition years.
“My team here will engage you further, for us to fine tune these details. I assure you that we are committed to ensuring a fair and smooth take-off of this scheme.
“Workers in Rivers State will not be shortchanged. I am fully aware that pension and welfare issues affect the lives of our workers and their families and this reality is what drives my determination to have a full resolution of all pending issues.
“We will continue to engage the leadership of the Labour Unions, National pension commission, and other stakeholders in honest conversations and collaborative action. Workers deserve to retire with peace of mind, and the families of those who served faithfully must not be left in distress.
“As always, this calls for a collective effort. The Labour Unions and all stakeholders must work with us as partners, your input, cooperation, and constructive engagement are essential as we build a benefits and pension system that is efficient, transparent, and worker-focused.
“In closing, I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone, for your patience, understanding, and support. Together, we will build a Rivers State where labour welfare is not an afterthought, but a priority, where necessary investments are made well ahead, to secure the livelihoods of our heroes who dedicated the most useful part of their lives in service of Rivers state.”
