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The Rivers state government has approved an annual interest-free loan disbursement to the tune of N3,600,000,000.00 (three billion, six hundred thousand naira) for small businesses and civil servants in the State.
The State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, made this known in an address during the 2018 Workers Day celebrations in Port Harcourt, where he also charged the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to occupy Nigeria.
“We have approved an interest-free revolving loan scheme for civil servants. The annual sum earmarked for this programme is N1,200,000,000.00 (one billion two hundred naira) only, with a monthly disbursement of N100,000,000.00 (one hundred million naira only).
“We have also approved another interest-free loan for owners of small businesses to access to enhance their businesses, create jobs and grow the economy. An annual sum of N2, 400,000,000.00 (two billion four hundred million) only, has been set-aside for this purpose with a monthly disbursement of N200, 000,000.00 (two hundred million naira) only,” the Governor said.
He said the State is investing in building a strong economy that will enable workers earn decent wages, empower entrepreneurs to create jobs and provide improved livelihood opportunities for Rivers people.
The governor said that his administration is already working to fix some of the subsisting challenges, including the contributory pension scheme, the contributory health insurance scheme and the payment of gratuities to retired civil servants.
At the Workers Day celebration, the Governor also announced a donation of N100 million to the NLC and the TUC and said the State Government will construct State Secretariats for the different labour unions.
In her address, the Rivers State Chairman of the NLC, Mrs Beatrice Otubo commended Governor Wike for his regular payment of salaries and pensions.
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She urged the governor to take steps to resolve the challenges surrounding the contributory pension scheme and gratuity to retired civil servants. The labour leader also commended the Governor for his outstanding developmental strides.
Chairman of the TUC in Rivers State, Mr Austin Jonah lauded the Rivers State Governor for his numerous infrastructural and development projects across the state.
The Workers Day was marked by parade by all the affiliate trade unions in the state, with Governor Wike taking the official salute.