The 113th anniversary celebration of the Nigeria Civil Service Union (NCSU) with the theme: “Navigating Economic Challenges: Strengthening Union Solidarity and Members Welfare” took place this Tuesday (12/11)25) in Port Harcourt River State with the union reaffirming its dedication to improving the welfare and career growth of civil servants nationwide.
Speaking at the event, the President of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Comrade Oluwole Sunday, represented by the union’s General Secretary, Comrade Olowoyo Gbenga, who also serves as National Secretary of the Joint National Public Service Council, described the anniversary as a testament to the union’s enduring relevance since its establishment in 1912, even before Nigeria’s amalgamation in 1914.
He noted that the union’s vision and mission remain strong, reflected in its continuous advocacy for workers’ welfare for over a century.
Comrade Sunday also commended the Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, for his support to civil servants, highlighting the governor’s approval of promotions that had been stalled for five to six years and his financial backing for the exercise.
He emphasized the need to review the scheme of service to address career stagnation, particularly for workers in cadres where Grade Level 14 remains a terminal point.
While lamenting that qualified workers are unfairly limited by outdated regulations, he urged the Federal Government to amend the scheme of service to allow promotions up to Grade Levels 15 and 16 for eligible officers.
Comrade Sunday further stressed the importance of training and retraining in line with advancements in technology, including artificial intelligence, noting that civil servants must continually acquire new skills to remain relevant.
In his remarks, Rivers State Chairman of the NCSU and State Secretary of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, Comrade Chukwuka Osumah, appealed to Governor Fubara to allocate land for the construction of a union secretariat and a relaxation center for civil servants.
He lauded the governor for consistently paying salaries and Christmas bonuses, including the ₦100,000 bonus paid last year, and expressed optimism that such gestures would continue.
Presenting a paper, Comrade Daniel Otakpo urged civil servants to diversify their income streams to cope with current economic challenges, advising them to support the union and engage in personal financial development.
In his speech, Comrade Emecheta Chukwu, Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JNC), Rivers State, praised the longevity and resilience of the NCSU, stating that its 113-year history reflects maturity and experience. He commended Governor Fubara for sustaining workers’ welfare, regular promotions, employment drives, and timely payment of salaries and incentives.
The union used the occasion to call for continued collaboration with the state government and appealed for the provision of operational vehicles and land for union activities.
Hanto Daily News correspondent reports that the event brought together labour veterans, sister unions, and key stakeholders in the Nigerian labour movement, who celebrated the union’s century-long legacy and renewed commitment to improving workers’ welfare.
