In a bid to alleviate the strain of the escalating cost of living, the Bayelsa state government has given the green light for the disbursement of wage awards to civil servants across its ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs).
Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, the deputy governor, announced this decision during a courtesy visit by the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) from the south-south zone, led by Chairman Comrade Bolum Martin and Vice Chairman Comrade Julius Laye, at the Government House in Yenagoa on Friday, April 12.
A statement from the deputy governor’s media aide, Doubara Atasi, elucidated that the wage increase, sanctioned by Governor Douye Diri, aligns with the federal government’s call for states to utilize funds from oil subsidy removal to mitigate the economic challenges faced by workers.
Ewhrudjakpo instructed the Head of the State Civil Service, Mrs Biobelemoye Charles-Onyeama, to devise strategies for implementing the ₦35,000 wage awards for all civil servants on the state government’s payroll.
Acknowledging the pivotal role of the civil service in executing government programs and policies, the deputy governor assured of the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of civil servants.
He pledged the government’s continuous support and collaboration with the TUC to advance the welfare of workers and foster harmonious industrial relations within the state, the South-South region, and the nation at large.
Ewhrudjakpo urged for unity between the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for the collective benefit of workers and the populace.
In his remarks, TUC South-South Zone Chairman Comrade Bolum Martin commended the Governor Diri-led administration for its labor-friendly stance, highlighting Bayelsa’s proactive measures such as extending the minimum wage increase to local government workers and other initiatives aimed at enhancing workers’ welfare.
He also informed of the ongoing zonal meeting of TUC chairpersons and secretaries from the South-South states, convened in Bayelsa ahead of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting slated for the following month.
