Senator Ipalibo Harry Banigo joined the Rivers State Government Civil Service where she served in various capacities such as the First Female Deputy Governor of Rivers State, Registrar of Births and Senior Medical; Principal, Rivers State School of Health, Port Harcourt; Director Public Health Services, Rivers State Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; Acting Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare; Director-General, Rivers State Ministry of Health and Social Welfare; and Permanent Secretary, Rivers State Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.

Following her impressive track record of service, Mrs Banigo was appointed the first female Head of Civil Service of Rivers State as well as Secretary to the Rivers State Government. Her wealth of experience in public service also attracted other appointments to her as a Member of, Rivers State Food and Nutrition Committee and Project Director, United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA).

Dr. Banigo was the Chairman of, the Rivers State Relief Committee; a Member of, Rivers State Hospital Management Board, and Project Director, UNICEF amongst others.