Governor of Bayelsa State, Senator Douye Diri, has approved the sum of ₦80,000 as the new minimum wage for workers in the state’s civil service with effect from November 1, 2024.
Governor Diri also approved an increase in the monthly pension of retired workers as well as ₦7 billion to reduce outstanding gratuity liabilities.
His spokesperson, Daniel Alabrah, who disclosed these in a statement, said the Bayelsa governor acknowledged the challenging times workers face in the state due to the rise in the cost of living.
The statement read: “To address the harsh times and in line with the National Minimum Wage (Amendment Act 2024), the Prosperity Administration of His Excellency Senater Douye Diri has approved the sum of N80,000 as minimum wage for the state’s workers
“Governor Diri also approved an increase in the monthly pension of state retire. The related consequential adjustments for the various sectors, as agreed with the leadership of Labour in the state, will be implemented.
“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.”
He also stated that Governor Diri appreciates the workers of the State and their leadership for their understanding, patience and commitment to the policies and programmes of the Prosperity Government.
Diri’s approval comes three days after Enugu Governor, Peter Mbah, announced a new minimum wage of N80,000 for civil servants in the state.
Several governors have also approved new minimum wage for their workers of recent.
On October 16, Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, announced that the minimum wage for public sector workers in the nation’s commercial capital would be ₦85,000.
Two days later, Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, approved ₦85,000 as the minimum wage for civil servants in the state.
In July, President Bola Tinubu signed the minimum wage bill into law, increasing workers’ baseline pay from ₦30,000 to ₦70,000.