Bayelsa Workers Celebrate As Govt Approves Demands

The Bayelsa State Government has approved a wide range of welfare packages, allowances, promotion benefits and other incentives for workers across the state’s civil service, local government councils, education and health sectors, in a landmark move aimed at improving workers’ welfare and strengthening the public service.

Hotnews reliably gathered that the comprehensive approvals, running into billions of naira, underscore the commitment of Governor Douye Diri’s ASSURED Prosperity Administration to building a motivated workforce and sustaining industrial harmony in the state.

The approvals were announced by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Peter Akpe, during an enlarged meeting with labour leaders, representatives of various unions and senior government officials at Government House, Yenagoa.

Also present at the meeting were the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, the Head of Service, Dr. Ebiye Sawyer, commissioners and other top government functionaries.

Presenting a detailed breakdown of the approvals, Dr. Akpe disclosed that Governor Douye Diri had approved the extension of the service years and retirement age for health workers, increasing years of service from 35 to 40 years and retirement age from 60 to 65 years.

He further announced the approval of the 2026 Medical Residency Training Fund, revised earned allowances, implementation of 2025 promotion arrears for staff of the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH), and several other welfare packages.
Other major approvals includes:

~ Uniform allowance for primary healthcare workers and nurses.

~ Payment of promotion and step increment arrears.

~ Specialist allowance for doctors on CONMESS 5.

~ Implementation of gratuities and pensions for Environmental Sanitation workers on the CONHESS salary structure before retirement.

~ Additional welfare incentives affecting workers across different sectors.

The Deputy Governor described the approvals as another demonstration of Governor Diri’s unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare and institutional development.

Dr. Akpe emphasized that government and organized labour remain indispensable partners in ensuring effective governance, noting that a strong bureaucracy is the foundation of sustainable development.

He explained that civil servants remain the permanent institution that sustains governance regardless of changes in political leadership, stressing that Governor Diri has consistently prioritized strengthening the state’s bureaucracy.

According to him, the Prosperity Administration has implemented labour-friendly policies unmatched in the history of Bayelsa State.

He urged labour unions to continue supporting government programmes and policies to sustain the cordial relationship that has characterized the Diri administration.

The Deputy Governor noted that the Governor had approved virtually all the demands presented by organized labour, describing the gesture as unprecedented in the state’s history.

Speaking with journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, disclosed that the government approved more than 95 percent of the demands submitted by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), and other labour unions.

She said the approvals reflected the administration’s resolve to improve workers’ welfare despite prevailing economic challenges across the country.

Mrs. Koku-Obiyai highlighted the approval of promotion arrears, uniform allowances and numerous incentives for resident doctors, teachers and other categories of workers.

She described the approval of uniform allowance as historic, noting that it was the first time since the creation of Bayelsa State that such a benefit had been granted.

The Information Commissioner said the cordial relationship between government and labour had continued to guarantee industrial peace in the state, adding that workers remain the engine room of governance and must reciprocate government’s goodwill through greater dedication, commitment and productivity.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Chief Saturday Odoko, described July 13, 2026, as a memorable day in the history of Bayelsa workers.

He said the approvals represented a win-win outcome for both government and labour, demonstrating Governor Diri’s genuine concern for workers’ welfare.

According to him, the administration has continued to distinguish itself through policies that place workers at the centre of governance.

In separate remarks, leaders of organized labour expressed profound appreciation to Governor Douye Diri, Deputy Governor Dr. Peter Akpe and members of the state executive council for responding positively to their requests.

The State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), represented by its Secretary, Dr. John Angese, alongside the State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Edwin Fefegha, commended the administration for approving nearly all their demands.

The labour leaders acknowledged the enormous financial implications of the approvals but observed that no previous administration had demonstrated such commitment to workers’ welfare in Bayelsa State.

They pledged the continued support and cooperation of workers towards the success of the Prosperity Administration.

Similar commendations came from the Chairman of the Joint Negotiating Council, Comrade Embeleakpo Andabai; President of the Association of Resident Doctors, NDUTH, Dr. Otorufa Nathaniel; State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Richman Otobo; State Chairman of the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), Comrade Anthony Akpe; State President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade ThankGod Singer; and the Secretary of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr. Stephen Umuwe.

The union leaders unanimously described the approvals as unprecedented and pledged to sustain industrial peace while encouraging workers to remain committed to efficient service delivery in the State.

The state helmsman latest approvals further reflects the Assured Prosperity Administration’s reputation as a labour-friendly government, with stakeholders describing the sweeping welfare package as one of the most significant investments in workers’ welfare since the creation of Bayelsa.

~ Hot News Reporters
Wednesday, 15, July, 2026