Ebonyi State Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, has approved the payment of a ₦150,000 Christmas bonus to all civil servants in the state as part of measures to cushion the effects of economic hardship and boost morale during the 2025 festive season.
The announcement was made on Sunday during a church service at the Government House Chapel in Abakaliki, the state capital. The development was later confirmed in a statement issued by the Governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr Monday Uzor, who described the decision as a reflection of the administration’s people centred governance philosophy.
“Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru of Ebonyi State has announced a one hundred and fifty thousand naira Christmas bonus to every civil servant in the state,” the statement read.
According to Uzor, the governor explained that the bonus was approved despite the financial pressures facing the state, including reduced revenue inflows over the past year. He said the gesture underscored the administration’s resolve to prioritise the welfare of workers, whom he described as the backbone of government operations.
While addressing worshippers at the chapel, Governor Nwifuru noted that civil servants have continued to play a critical role in sustaining governance and public service delivery in the state, even amid prevailing economic challenges. He said the Christmas bonus was meant to appreciate their dedication and provide some relief during the festive period.
“This government remains committed to the welfare of its workforce,” the governor was quoted as saying. “Despite the dwindling resources available to the state, we have chosen to stand with our workers and support them, especially at this time of celebration.”
The announcement was greeted with applause by members of the congregation, many of whom are public servants. The bonus is expected to be paid to workers across various cadres in the state civil service, further reinforcing the administration’s reputation for prioritising labour welfare.
In the same address, Governor Nwifuru also used the opportunity to dispel rumours surrounding the Vincent Agwu Nwankwo Flyover, one of the flagship infrastructure projects of his administration. The governor dismissed claims circulating on social media that the project had been delayed or abandoned.
“You cannot find any state in Nigeria that is currently constructing such a flyover,” Nwifuru said, stressing that the scale and technical demands of the project require patience and careful execution.
He explained that the flyover, once completed, would significantly transform the urban landscape of Abakaliki and enhance the overall aesthetic and functional outlook of the state capital. According to him, the project is part of a broader vision to modernise Ebonyi State and position it competitively among other states in the country.
“We are not doing this because we have excess money,” the governor said. “We are doing it because we want to leave a legacy. We want to sign our signature in the annals of history and ensure that Ebonyi State is recognised globally for good governance, modern infrastructure, and responsible leadership.”
Governor Nwifuru also expressed concern over what he described as deliberate misinformation by some commentators, urging residents to rely on verified sources for information about government projects and policies.
The Christmas bonus approval adds to a series of worker friendly policies implemented by the Nwifuru administration since it assumed office. In August, the governor approved a ₦20,000 increase in the state’s minimum wage, raising the monthly pay of civil servants to ₦90,000.
The wage increment, according to the state government, took immediate effect and was implemented in line with the governor’s “People’s Charter of Needs Agenda,” which prioritises human capital development, social welfare, and infrastructure.
The administration had said at the time that the decision to raise wages was aimed at improving the standard of living of workers and enhancing productivity within the civil service. Labour unions in the state had welcomed the move, describing it as a bold step in addressing the rising cost of living.
At the national level, efforts to improve workers’ welfare have also gained momentum in recent years. In July 2024, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu signed the new national minimum wage bill into law following its passage by the National Assembly. The legislation amended the Minimum Wage Act of 2019, increasing the national minimum wage from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000.
The new law was the outcome of prolonged negotiations involving organised labour, the private sector, and government representatives, amid widespread concerns over inflation and economic hardship. While several states have commenced implementation of the revised wage structure, others are yet to fully comply, citing financial constraints.
In this context, Ebonyi State’s decision to not only implement a higher minimum wage but also approve a substantial Christmas bonus has drawn attention as a notable example of subnational commitment to workers’ welfare.
Political analysts say such measures could help strengthen trust between the government and the workforce, especially at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with the effects of inflation, fuel subsidy removal, and broader economic reforms.
Residents and civil servants in Ebonyi State have largely welcomed the governor’s announcement, describing it as timely and compassionate. Many see the Christmas bonus as a morale booster that will enable families to better prepare for the festive season and meet basic needs.
As the year draws to a close, the Nwifuru administration appears keen on reinforcing its social contract with workers and residents by combining welfare initiatives with visible infrastructure development. With the Christmas bonus approval and ongoing projects such as the Vincent Agwu Nwankwo Flyover, the government has signalled its intention to balance economic realities with responsive governance.
Whether these measures will translate into sustained goodwill and long term socio economic gains remains to be seen. However, for Ebonyi civil servants, the ₦150,000 Christmas bonus represents a significant gesture of recognition and support at a critical time.
