The Rivers State Government has announced the commencement of a phased rehabilitation of the State Secretariat complex as part of renewed efforts to improve public service delivery and the welfare of civil servants. This was contained in a statement issued by the Senior Special Adviser on Media to the Rivers State Government, Hector Igbikiowubo.
The State Administrator, Vice Admiral (Rtd) Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, made this known at the closing ceremony of a four-day Transformational Leadership Training Workshop held in Port Harcourt. The workshop, organised in partnership with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), was designed to build the leadership capacity of top government officials including Permanent Secretaries, Local Government Administrators, and Directors.
Vice Admiral Ibas said the Secretariat rehabilitation will be carried out in phases, following his personal inspection of the facility where he identified a range of challenges affecting productivity.
“During my visit, I went floor by floor and saw the reality—intermittent electricity, broken elevators, poor sanitation, and a lack of basic work tools. It’s unacceptable. We cannot expect results without addressing these fundamental issues,” he said.
He pledged that, within available resources, the State Government would also review existing welfare policies to better motivate the workforce. “God willing, I will ensure that your work environment reflects the respect and dignity your service deserves,” he added.
The Administrator also charged Local Government Council Administrators to translate the training into practical impact by conducting detailed needs assessments and submitting strategic development plans within two weeks. He said the plans must be tailored to the specific needs of each local council.
To strengthen accountability, the Auditor-General for Local Governments will be empowered to strictly monitor how funds are used at the council level, with an emphasis on transparency and value for money.
Acting Head of Service, Dr. Iyingi Brown, described the training as historic, noting it was the first of its kind for civil servants in the state. She expressed optimism that the initiative would improve governance across the board.
“This training is a significant investment in our human capital, and the benefits will reflect in how we serve the people of Rivers State,” she said.
Key takeaways from the event include:
Immediate commencement of phased rehabilitation of the State Secretariat
Submission of local government development plans within two weeks
Continuous training and welfare policy reviews to boost efficiency
