The Rivers State Government has clarified that its annual ₦100,000 Christmas bonus is paid to all civil servants and public office holders in the state, including lawmakers, without discrimination.
The clarification follows reports that members of the Rivers State House of Assembly rejected the payment, describing it as unsolicited and unapproved.
In a statement issued on Wednesday in Port Harcourt, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Information and Communications, Dr Honour Sirawoo, said the bonus is a uniform gesture extended to all workers captured on the state payroll system, including pensioners.
Sirawoo said the payment is a token of appreciation for the dedication and service of public servants throughout the year, adding that it has been consistently paid for the past three years.
He spoke while responding to commendation from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) over the 2025 Christmas bonus, but declined to comment directly on the lawmakers’ reported rejection of the funds.
According to him, the bonus has become an annual practice aimed at supporting workers during the festive season, while broader welfare improvements remain a priority of the administration.
Sirawoo said Governor Siminalayi Fubara remains committed to policies that provide a social safety net for state employees and their families, describing workers as the “greatest pride” of the Rivers State Government.
He added that the government views the NLC as a key partner in its “Rivers First” development agenda, noting that the union’s public acknowledgment reflects a cordial relationship between the administration and the workforce.
“While this bonus is meant to brighten the festive season, our long-term focus remains the continuous improvement of the working environment and the welfare of everyone serving Rivers State,” Sirawoo said.
