Diri Most Workers Friendly Governor – PenCom Declares

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has described Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, as the most worker-friendly and worker-centric governor in Nigeria, commending his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and retirement security.

Hotnews gathered that the commission gave the commendation on Thursday when a delegation led by the Finance Commissioner, Dr. Charles Emukowhate, who represented the Director-General, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, paid a courtesy visit to Government House, Yenagoa.

PenCom noted that Governor Diri administration had taken significant steps to reform pension administration in the state, including the amendment of the state’s Pensions Law in 2022, establishment of pension institutions, appointment of a substantive head of the Pensions Board and procurement of Employer Codes for 108 Ministries, Departments and Agencies.

Emukowhate said the developments had positioned Bayelsa to become one of the leading states in the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme.

He said the commission’s visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the state government and supporting the transition to the contributory system, stressing that pension reform was essential to guaranteeing workers dignity, financial security and peace of mind after retirement.

Responding, Governor Douye Diri said the welfare of workers and pensioners remained a major priority of his administration.

The Governor recalled that his administration inherited a huge backlog of unpaid pensions and gratuities when it assumed office in 2020, with some retirees owed gratuities dating back to 2007.

According to him, the state government has so far paid more than N20 billion in outstanding gratuities to state retirees, while also supporting local government councils to clear their pension and gratuity liabilities.

Governor Diri said his administration was determined to institutionalise a pension system that would guarantee workers security and dignity after retirement.

He explained that Bayelsa had commenced the process of transitioning to the Contributory Pension Scheme, including determining accrued liabilities, reviewing actuarial reports, engaging consultants and commencing employee registration.

The Governor assured PenCom, the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and other stakeholders of the state’s commitment to a transparent and inclusive implementation process.

He said the successful transition to the contributory scheme would be a major achievement of his administration in securing the future of workers and pensioners in Bayelsa State.

~ Hot News Reporters
Saturday, 22, August, 2026