Rivers State Governor Simina­layi Fubara has assured of im­plementing the new minimum wage approved by the Federal Government for workers in the state as soon as the parameters are made available.

Governor Fubara gave the assurance at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt, where activities to commemorate the 2024 International Workers Day, with the theme: ‘People First’, took place on Wednesday.

The governor stated how concerned his administration is about the poor state of the nation’s economy, with the atten­dant rising inflation, which has impacted adversely on the pur­chasing power and well-being of the average workers and their families.

Governor Fubara, therefore, said: “Let me assure you that we are going to work with the Fed­eral Government to implement necessary measures, including the continuation of the free bus services and the provision of necessary palliatives to amelio­rate the current hardship faced by ordinary citizens.

“We are also committed to im­plementing the increase in work­ers’ salaries recently approved by the Federal Government as soon as the parameters are made avail­able.

“We are a listening govern­ment, and we have heard the common concerns and demands of labour on the urgency of stim­ulating economic growth and im­proving the living conditions of our people.”

Governor Fubara acknowl­edged workers as critical human resources that have continued to contribute immensely to the sustained long-term economic growth of the state.

The governor noted that workers are indispensable, from the production lines of small and big factories to government offic­es and institutions.

“On the 1st of June, 2023, barely three days after the as­sumption of office, I visited the state Secretariat Complex to see its dilapidated state and take immediate measures to improve the poor working environment of our workers.

“Since then, we have reacti­vated and restored some facilities and services in the Secretariat Complex, including the water system, elevators, leaking roofs, and improved electricity supply.

“In addition, we have also commissioned a reputable inter­national company to scope the entire complex and advise on the cost of a comprehensive rehabili­tation of the Secretariat Complex, which we intend to carry out in phases as available finances will allow,” the governor said.