The Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, has announced the immediate dissolution of the Rivers State Pensions Board, signaling yet another bold step in his ongoing reorganization of state institutions. The announcement was made on Friday evening through a Government Special Announcement issued in Port Harcourt by the State Head of Service, Mrs. Inyingi Brown.
According to the four-paragraph statement, all functions of the dissolved Pensions Board will now be handled by the Office of the State Accountant General until a new board is constituted. The statement further directed members of the former board to immediately hand over all properties and assets of the board in their possession to the Director of Administration.
Why the Dissolution Matters
The Rivers State Pensions Board has, over the years, been central to the management of pension funds and welfare administration for retired public servants in the state. Its dissolution comes at a time when pension issues remain sensitive across Nigeria, with complaints of delayed payments, accumulated arrears, and mismanagement of funds being widespread.
By moving the board’s functions to the Accountant General’s office, the Fubara administration appears to be tightening control over financial accountability and ensuring that pension administration is directly overseen by the state’s chief financial office. Analysts suggest this could be a temporary measure aimed at restructuring and sanitizing the pension management system.
Implications for Retirees
Retired civil servants in Rivers State are likely to keep a close watch on this development. For years, pensioners across Nigeria have lamented bureaucratic bottlenecks, corruption, and inefficiencies that often leave them unpaid for months. With the dissolution of the board, pensioners may worry about further delays. However, some see the move as an opportunity for Governor Fubara to inject transparency and efficiency into pension administration.
A retired civil servant in Port Harcourt, who preferred anonymity, told our correspondent that while the dissolution raises initial concerns, it could also pave the way for reforms. “If this leads to faster payments and better management, then it is welcome. But the government must not let this transition create unnecessary delays for retirees who depend on their pensions,” the pensioner said.
Political and Administrative Context
Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration has, in recent months, embarked on several reforms touching key state institutions. While some of his moves have been interpreted through the lens of Rivers State’s charged political atmosphere, others are seen as efforts to streamline governance.
The dissolution of the Pensions Board could also be viewed within this broader context of institutional restructuring. Given the sensitive nature of pensions, which directly affect thousands of families, the governor is expected to appoint a new board soon to avoid prolonged administrative vacuum.
Next Steps and Expectations
The immediate transfer of responsibilities to the Accountant General’s office is aimed at ensuring continuity. The Director of Administration of the Pensions Board is expected to work closely with the Accountant General to ensure a smooth handover.
Observers believe the government will likely constitute a new board in the coming weeks or months. The composition of this new board will be crucial, as it will determine the credibility and trust retirees place in the system going forward.
For now, the focus will be on how quickly the Accountant General’s office can stabilize operations and assure retirees that their entitlements will not be delayed. Stakeholders, including labour unions and pensioners’ associations, are expected to respond formally in the coming days.
Conclusion
The dissolution of the Rivers State Pensions Board by Governor Siminalayi Fubara marks a significant shift in the state’s pension administration structure. While the move raises questions, it also provides an opportunity for reforms aimed at restoring trust and ensuring transparency in pension management.
As Rivers State navigates this transition, all eyes will be on the Fubara administration to see whether the decision will bring relief or hardship to thousands of pensioners who rely on their monthly stipends for survival.
