Rivers Govt Extends Retirement Age for Teachers, Approves Additional N1 Billion Pension Fund

The Rivers State Government has approved an additional N1 billion to its existing Pension Fund, effectively doubling the fund from N1 billion to N2 billion. This decision aims to enhance the welfare of pensioners in the state.

Governor Siminalayi Fubara made the announcement during a State Executive Council meeting held on Thursday at the Executive Council Chambers, Government House, Port Harcourt. The meeting was chaired by the Governor, with Deputy Governor Ngozi Odu and other council members in attendance.

Addressing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Warisenibo Joseph Johnson, commended the Governor for this bold move. He noted that the increased fund would benefit pensioners and align with the Governor’s welfare package for both active civil servants and retirees.

In a statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Nelson Chukwudi, Johnson remarked, “The additional N1 billion to the Pension Fund is a significant step. It increases the total fund from N1 billion to N2 billion, reflecting the Governor’s commitment to the welfare of our pensioners.”

Johnson further explained that the Governor’s action demonstrated his dedication to improving the livelihoods of retired senior citizens, saying, “This is part of His Excellency’s broader welfare package for both active and retired civil servants.”

In addition to the pension fund increase, the Rivers State Head of Civil Service, Dr. George Nwaeke, announced the Council’s approval to domesticate a federal law extending the retirement age for teachers by an additional five years.

Dr. Nwaeke clarified that the new policy applies exclusively to professional teachers registered with the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). He stated, “Before now, teachers retired at 60 years of age or after 35 years of service. The new law extends this by five years, allowing teachers to retire at 65 years or after 40 years of service, whichever comes first.”

Nwaeke emphasized that the retirement extension only applies to classroom teachers, not administrative or support staff in schools. “This decision is heartwarming, and it is essential to note that it applies only to professional teachers who are duly registered with the TRCN,” he added.

The implementation of this policy takes effect immediately, following the national directive for extending the service years of teachers across Nigeria.