THE CASUALIZATION OF RIVERS YOUTH IN THE RIVERS STATE CIVIL SERVICE: Rivers State Television (RSTV) as a Case Study

For more than fourteen years, the Rivers State Civil Service has not conducted any mainstream employment. As a result, the system now faces a major shortage of staff. Many of those who were employed years ago have reached retirement age and are leaving in large numbers. To fill this gap, government institutions have turned to an informal system of hiring young people on a casual basis. These young workers, often referred to as “casual staff,” have become the backbone of many state institutions, like the Rivers State Television (RSTV). Casual staff play critical roles across departments in the civil service, yet they are not officially recognized as employees. They are poorly paid, in most cases earning far below the minimum wage. They work under the same, and sometimes even tougher, conditions as permanent staff but without any of the benefits that come with formal employment. They have no health insurance, no pension, and no job security. This situation amounts to a quiet exploitation of labor in a system that should protect its citizens. The question often asked is why these young people stay in such conditions. The answer is simple: the unemployment rate in the country is high, and opportunities are scarce. Many of them continue to hold on because of the constant promises that their status will be regularized and they will be absorbed into the civil service. Some have worked for as long as fifteen years as casual staff, dedicating their time and energy to public service without any formal recognition or security. At Rivers State Television, this reality is clearly visible. The station has about forty casual workers spread across departments, performing essential duties that keep the station running. They work in production, reporting, technical operations, and administration. Many work late into the night, ensuring the station remains on air. Yet, their conditions remain hars I served as a newscaster in the Program department and later as a field reporter in the News department for a total of two years and four months. I had to brave insecurity while returning from late-night shifts. Some were not so lucky as they were robbed while returning from late-night assignments. Still, they continue to work diligently, motivated by the hope that one day their efforts will be rewarded with proper employment. Unfortunately, not all have been able to endure these conditions. Over time, several capable and experienced casual staff have left RSTV and other state agencies after finding better opportunities elsewhere. This has led to a gradual loss of quality talent within the civil service. The state is losing skilled and passionate young professionals who could have strengthened public institutions if given a fair chance. It is disheartening to now hear of plans to lay off a significant number of these casual staff in RSTV. Such a move would not only worsen unemployment in the state but also send a discouraging message to hardworking young people who have served loyally under difficult conditions. The situation at RSTV and across the Rivers State Civil Service highlights a broader issue of how youth labor is being undervalued and underprotected. Rivers youth are not lazy. They are capable, skilled, and eager to contribute to the development of the state. What they need is a fair system that recognizes their service and provides opportunities for growth and security. The government must take urgent steps to address this problem. Regularizing the employment of casual staff who have served for many years would be a fair and moral step. Beyond that, there is a need for a transparent and consistent employment process to bring new energy and talent into the civil service. The future of public service delivery in Rivers State depends on it. Casualization should not become the new normal. The young people who continue to serve deserve dignity, fair pay, and the assurance that their contributions matter. Dr Kejeh, a Digital Communications Consultant and Public Analyst writes from Calabar.