Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has approved an N80,000 minimum wage for workers in the state’s civil service, set to take effect on November 1, 2024.
The new wage, part of measures to alleviate the rising cost of living, also includes an increase in the monthly pensions of retirees and N7 billion to reduce outstanding gratuity liabilities.
In a statement by Governor Diri’s spokesperson, Daniel Alabrah, the governor acknowledged the financial hardships workers face, explaining that the move aligns with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment Act 2024).
“To address the harsh times and in line with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment Act 2024), the Prosperity Administration of His Excellency Senator Douye Diri has approved the sum of ₦80,000 as minimum wage for the state’s workers,” the statement read.
The governor also approved adjustments for pensions and other consequential increments across sectors, which were negotiated with labor leaders in the state.
“The related consequential adjustments for the various sectors, as agreed with the leadership of Labour in the state, will be implemented,” the statement added.
In addition, Governor Diri has taken a significant step towards resolving pension issues by approving N7 billion to reduce the state’s gratuity backlog.
“To further ameliorate the challenges of our retired senior citizens, His Excellency also approved the payment and reduction of the outstanding gratuity liabilities by Seven Billion Naira.”
The governor expressed appreciation for the workers’ understanding, patience, and support for his administration’s policies and programs, reaffirming his commitment to their welfare.
The announcement follows similar decisions by other state governors. Recently, Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah approved an N80,000 minimum wage for civil servants. Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu raised the minimum wage to N85,000, while Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara approved N85,000 as well.
These approvals come in the wake of President Bola Tinubu’s decision to raise the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000 in July 2024.