The Bayelsa State Government has approved a multi-billion naira welfare package for workers across the state, including salary-related benefits, new allowances, promotion arrears and other incentives for civil servants, local government employees and educators.
The approvals were announced by the Deputy Governor, Peter Akpe, during a meeting with labour unions and government officials at the Government House in Yenagoa.
The meeting was attended by representatives of organised labour, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof Nimibofa Ayawei, and the Head of Service, Ebiye Sawyer.
📢 Stay Updated — Join Our WhatsApp Channel
💬 Be Part of Our WhatsApp Community
Join our WhatsApp Channel for curated updates, breaking stories, and exclusive insights from our newsroom.
📲 Join 👉 NRTC WhatsApp Channel
Among the major decisions reached, Governor Douye Diri approved an extension of the service years and retirement age for healthcare professionals in the state.
The policy increased the maximum years of active service from 35 to 40 years, while the retirement age was extended from 60 to 65 years.
READ ALSO: Bayelsa govt announces burial date for late deputy gov
Other key approvals included funding for the 2026 medical residency training programme, payment of revised earned allowances and 2025 promotion arrears for workers at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH).
The government also introduced a specialised uniform allowance for nurses and primary healthcare workers, marking the first time such an allowance would be provided since the creation of the state.
In addition, specialist allowances were approved for doctors on the CONMESS 5 salary scale, alongside the payment of promotion and step-increment arrears.
The administration further approved the release of gratuity and pension payments for retired environmental sanitation workers under the CONHESS salary structure.
Speaking at the meeting, Akpe described the civil service as the backbone of government operations, urging labour unions to continue supporting government policies to sustain industrial peace and harmony in the state.
Addressing journalists after the deliberations, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, said the government had approved more than 95 per cent of the 40-point demands submitted by labour organisations, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
She said the approvals demonstrated the state government’s commitment to workers’ welfare despite the prevailing economic challenges, while urging employees to reciprocate through dedication and improved productivity.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Saturday Odoko, described the agreement as a landmark achievement that would strengthen industrial relations and promote stability in the state.
READ ALSO: Gov Diri approves ₦200m monthly grant, flags off dry season farming
Representatives of the labour unions, including the NLC, TUC, Joint Negotiating Council and National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), commended the government for its commitment and pledged continued partnership with the administration.
