In a bold move to reinvigorate public service delivery in Rivers State, the State Administrator, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, has announced a phased rehabilitation of the State Secretariat Complex, alongside sweeping reforms to improve workplace conditions and governance efficiency.
Speaking at the closing ceremony of a four-day Transformational Leadership Training Workshop in Port Harcourt, organized in partnership with the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS)—Ibas stressed that enhancing civil service capacity must be matched by improving the physical and operational environment.
“During a recent floor-by-floor inspection of the Secretariat, I observed firsthand the harsh conditions our workers endure—frequent power outages, broken elevators, unhygienic facilities, and poor work tools. We cannot demand excellence while neglecting the basics,” he stated.
To address these deficiencies, Ibas announced a comprehensive and phased facelift of the Secretariat, aimed at creating a modern, functional, and dignified workspace for civil servants.
He also revealed plans for a review of the state’s public service welfare policy, promising better motivation tools within available resources. “God willing, I will ensure that your work environment reflects the respect and dignity your service deserves,” he affirmed.
The Administrator further challenged Local Government Council Administrators—key participants in the training—to immediately deploy their newly acquired skills for transformative leadership.
He gave a two-week deadline for the submission of strategic development plans, instructing officials to conduct thorough needs assessments and prioritize projects tailored to their communities.
“These plans must reflect the realities on the ground. They are not mere paperwork—they are the blueprint for meaningful change,” he said.
Ibas also pledged to strengthen oversight, announcing that the Auditor-General for Local Governments will be empowered to rigorously monitor public spending to ensure transparency and value-for-money in all local projects.
In her remarks, Acting Head of Service, Dr. Iyingi Brown, described the leadership workshop as a historic milestone—the first of its kind in recent memory for Rivers civil servants.
She expressed confidence that the initiative would usher in a new era of efficient, transparent, and citizen-focused governance across all tiers of government.
