From Seyi Tayese, Yenagoa
Workers in Bayelsa State on Friday appealed for domestication and implementation of the new Federal Government approved increase of salaries, estacodes, duty tour and other allowances of civil servants in the state.
This was as a result of Federal Government approval of upward review of salaries, and allowances of all civil servants on the consolidated public salary structures (CONPSS) and consolidated research and allied institutions salary structure (CONRAISS).
The workers under the umbrella bodies of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and The Trade Union Congress (TUC) in a joint address presented during the 2026 Workers Day Celebration at the Peace Park opposite government House in Yenagoa the state capital, also demanded for the timely approval, conduct and implantation of financial benefits of promotions.
Delivering the address on behalf of the two unions, the state chairman of NLC Comr. Barnabas Simon in company of his counterpart in TUC, Comr. Edwin M. Fefegha, appealed for the implementation of annual increment for all category of workers.
Speaking further said, there is urgent need for a new housing scheme for workers in Bayelsa State, saying the economic realities at the moment have made it very difficult for an average worker to cope with the high cost of house rent in the state. “Most workers cannot afford to rent a decent accommodation talk more of building or owing houses. No thanks to the hike in the cost of building materials”.
They also demanded for implementation of the 25 percent and 35 percent salary arrears and employment of Non-academic staff at the post primary subsector and provisions of uniform allowance for Nurses and other professional health workers. Extension of grade level 10 entry point to all graduate nurses and implementation of the new N80,000 minimum wage for staff of Bayelsa State fire service
Responding to the demands of the workers, the governor of Bayelsa State Senator Douye Diri retirated his commitment towards civil service in the state, saying it’s important to honor them for there is dignity in labor, “dignity in everything that we do”.
Theme for this year workers day, “INSECURITY AND POVERTY: BANE OF DECENT WORK”governor Diri said, “every year we celebrate the dignity of labor and the extraordinary partnership that is delivering unprecedented prosperity to our people, the people of Bayelsa state,and to every hard-working employee of government, both man and woman, the public and in the private sectors whose toil sustains our state”.
He further said our civil servants who keep the ministries of government running,”our teachers who mold the minds of this generation and indeed the next generation,to our house workers who safeguard our lives,to our security agencies who keep watch.”
Governor emphasized that there is peace and security in Bayelsa state, “to every artisan, farmers and professionals in the private sectors, your dedication and selfless service are the bedrock of our progress, and we remain profoundly grateful.
“The strides we have made together bear eloquent testimony to the strength of unity and the power of a common purpose and synergy between the government of assured prosperity and the workers in Bayelsa State. We call on all Bayelsans and all residents to join us,
“Of these six years’ journey towards assured prosperity, we place our trust in your goodwill and ultimately in God. Your patience, your understanding, and your partnership to fulfill the sacred mandate bestowed on us.
“You have not failed the government of prosperity. Together, we have recorded milestones that speak for themselves from roads that now connect once isolated communities to schools that inspire learning, science and technical colleges.
“To hospitals that restore health, and to investments that create jobs. These are not merely government projects. They are the force of partnership between labor and the government of assured prosperity.
“Collective dedication coupled with the prudent management of public resources has delivered these outcomes for our people who truly deserve them. For me, prompt payment of salaries is an obvious function of government”.
As part of their request, the governor directed that 108 housing units be given to the civil servants in the state.
