Rivers State Administrator Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd) yesterday announced the saving of N5billion from the August salary bill following his decision to initiate a comprehensive staff verification.

Ibas spoke during the grand finale of the 2025 Civil Service Week Celebration at the Dr. Obi Wali International Conference Centre in Port Harcourt.

He said that the verification successfully identified and removed non-existent staff and impostors from the government payroll.

The administrator declared that the recovered funds would be channeled into critical developmental projects and programmes designed for the benefit of the people of the state.

Ibas said: “This verification has enabled us to distinguish genuine staff from impostors on the payroll. The N5billion saved is not just a figure; it is a testament to our commitment to fiscal responsibility.

These funds will now be strategically invested in critical infrastructure and social projects to accelerate the sustainable development of Rivers State.”

A statement by the Senior Special Adviser, Media, Rivers State Government, Hector Igbikiowubo, said the event, titled: “Five Years to 2030: Accelerating Public Service Delivery for a Sustainable Future,” served as a platform to honour the state’s civil servants, whom the Administrator described as “the backbone of this administration and our unsung heroes.”

Ibas outlined a bold vision for a revitalized civil service, announcing a series of transformative reforms already underway.

He named the reforms as enhanced welfare including an upward review of salaries and allowances for Heads of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) to bridge the wage gap with political office holders, adding that a new N85,000 minimum wage had been implemented at the local government level.

He said there was significant investment in training and upskilling programmes, including the first large-scale training for finance and accounting officers, with more planned for senior and middle-level staff.

Ibas said monthly pension allocations had been increased from N2billion to N2.6billion to ensure timely payments.

All pensioners, both domestic and abroad, had been verified and enrolled in the state’s contributory health scheme, he added..

He said there was a mandatory enrollment of all workers in the state’s contributory health protection programme, adding that a Group Life Insurance programme would soon take effect to ensure prompt payment of entitlements to families of deceased workers.

Ibas reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and excellence.

“With accurate data and a reinvigorated workforce, Rivers State is set on a path of sustainable growth and excellence in governance,” he declared.

The event also featured the unveiling of the new Rivers State Civil Service Handbook and the inaugural edition of The Bureaucrat magazine by the Acting Head of Service, Dr. Inyingi Brown.