In a significant move aimed at improving the welfare of local government workers, the Bayelsa State Government has approved a new minimum wage of N80,000 for council staff. This decision, announced by Acting Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, follows sustained advocacy by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The announcement was made during a meeting held on Tuesday at the Government House, Yenagoa, with the state minimum wage implementation committee, local government chairpersons, and representatives from key unions such as the NLC, TUC, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), and the Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria (MHWUN).
Payment Adjustments and Pensioner Increments
Governor Ewhrudjakpo also assured that salary differentials from the new minimum wage template applied in November would be added to December salaries. He urged labour unions to collaborate with the state’s team to harmonize their computations to facilitate the payment of the consequential adjustments.
In addition to the wage approval, the state government announced a N10,000 increase in pensioners’ monthly stipends. However, the Acting Governor clarified that the state’s financial constraints prevent it from fully adopting the Federal Government’s consequential adjustment template for the minimum wage.
“We must tailor our adjustments to what is financially sustainable for Bayelsa,” Ewhrudjakpo stated, emphasizing the need to balance worker welfare with the state’s broader developmental needs.
A Collaborative Effort
The acting governor stressed that the decision to implement the new minimum wage was a collective agreement among stakeholders, including local government chairpersons and organized labour. He highlighted the government’s commitment to competitive wage standards, noting that Bayelsa pays one of the highest minimum wages in the South-South region and across the country.
Ewhrudjakpo appealed for understanding, urging all parties to consider the survival and sustainability of the state’s resources. “The resources allocated to state and local governments are meant for the benefit of the entire population, not just politicians and civil servants,” he said.
He further pointed out that politicians and civil servants constitute only about 15% of the population, while the majority rely on public services funded by these same resources.
Labour’s Reaction
The state NLC chairman, Simon Barnabas, expressed appreciation to the government for approving the new wage. However, he appealed for the adoption of the Federal Government’s template for consequential adjustments to better reflect national standards.
Sustained Efforts for Worker Welfare
The Bayelsa State Security Trust Fund, established in 2007 to combat violent crimes, was also discussed, with assurances from the acting governor of its continued role in enhancing security across the state.
This milestone highlights the government’s dedication to improving the living standards of its workforce while maintaining fiscal responsibility. The dialogue between the government and labour unions underscores a shared commitment to progress and equitable development.
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