Bayelsa State Approves N80,000 Minimum Wage For Local Government Workers

The Bayelsa State government has approved a new minimum wage of N80,000 for staff of the local government councils. This decision follows sustained pressure from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

The Acting Governor, Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, announced the development on Tuesday during a meeting with the state minimum wage implementation committee and chairmen of the eight local government areas. The meeting, held at the Government House, also included representatives from the NLC, TUC, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Nigerian Union of Teachers, and Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria, among others.

Ewhrudjakpo assured workers that the differentials arising from the new minimum wage, which was implemented in November, would be included in December salaries. He encouraged the labour unions to harmonize their calculations with the state team to ensure smooth execution of the consequential adjustments.

Increment for Pensioners

The acting governor also addressed the Federal Government’s recent circular on pension increment. While the state approved a N10,000 increase for pensioners, he noted that Bayelsa could not fully adopt the Federal Government’s template due to its financial constraints.

“Firstly, we have agreed that the minimum wage for the local government workers should also be N80,000,” Ewhrudjakpo said, emphasizing that the state and local governments lack the “ways and means” available to the Federal Government.

He appealed for understanding, stating that only 15% of the state’s population—comprising politicians and civil servants—benefit directly from salaries. The majority of residents rely on public services funded by the same resources.

Labour’s Response

Speaking on behalf of organized labour, the NLC chairman in Bayelsa, Simon Barnabas, commended the government for approving the new minimum wage. He, however, urged the government to adopt the Federal Government’s template for consequential adjustments and to approve a N32,000 increment for pensioners, in line with the recent federal directive.

A Step Forward

The approval of the N80,000 minimum wage underscores Bayelsa’s commitment to prioritizing workers’ welfare while balancing its financial realities. The negotiations highlight the ongoing collaboration between the government and labour unions to ensure equitable compensation for workers and pensioners.