13/10/2026
𝘼𝙇𝙂𝙊𝙉 𝘾𝙊𝙈𝙈𝙀𝙉𝘿𝙎 𝙁𝙐𝘽𝘼𝙍𝘼 𝙊𝙑𝙀𝙍 𝙎𝙏𝘼𝙁𝙁 𝙑𝙀𝙍𝙄𝙁𝙄𝘾𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉, 𝘾𝘼𝙇𝙇𝙎 𝙁𝙊𝙍 𝙍𝙀𝙏𝙄𝙍𝙀𝙀𝙎’ 𝘽𝙄𝙊𝙈𝙀𝙏𝙍𝙄𝘾 𝙑𝙀𝙍𝙄𝙁𝙄𝘾𝘼𝙏𝙄𝙊𝙉
The Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Rivers State Chapter, has commended the Governor of Rivers State, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, GSSRS, for approving the report of the biometric staff verification exercise conducted across the 23 Local Government Areas of the state.
ALGON made the commendation at the end of its meeting on Monday held at the Mayor's lodge in Port Harcourt.
Speaking on behalf of the ALGON Chairman and Executive, the Chairman of Emohua Local Government Area, Dr. Chidi Lloyd, said the exercise would strengthen transparency, accountability and effective workforce planning across the councils.
The Association called on the State Government to expedite the verification of retirees to establish the actual number of pensioners on the councils' payrolls, noting that approximately nine per cent of Local Government funds is deducted for pension-related obligations. ALGON stressed that accurate data would promote proper financial planning and accountability.
On grievances arising from the staff verification exercise, the Association commended the establishment of a complaints committee to address genuine cases. It disclosed that funds relating to disputed cases had been kept in escrow accounts pending resolution, assuring that legitimate claims would be honoured once verified.
ALGON also expressed concern over attempts to reduce the recognised age of adulthood in resolving cases involving underage employment, insisting that the process must comply with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended, and relevant legislation. The Association said it would formally communicate its position to the Chairman of the Complaints Committee to ensure a legally sound resolution of the matter.
Addressing concerns about Local Government finances, the Association explained that council allocations are subject to statutory deductions, personnel costs and other financial obligations. It assured that savings realised from the verification exercise would be reinvested in grassroots development, including infrastructure, healthcare, education and other essential services. ALGON also reaffirmed its commitment to peer review and collaboration among councils to improve service delivery.
On flooding across the state, the Association disclosed that Local Government Chairmen were documenting affected communities and residents in collaboration with the State Government's Flood Intervention Committee, chaired by the Deputy Governor, Professor Ngozi Nma Odu, DSSRS. ALGON reaffirmed its commitment to supporting affected residents and working with relevant authorities to address the challenges.
The Association concluded by reiterating its commitment to transparency, constitutional governance and people-oriented administration, stressing that the staff verification exercise was intended to establish an accurate personnel database, eliminate irregularities and ensure that public resources are properly managed for the benefit of Rivers State residents.
13th OCTOBER, 2026