By Adenike Lawal
On December 11, 2024, the Bayelsa State Government approved a minimum wage of N80,000 for local government council staff, marking a significant step in addressing workers’ demands.
The decision followed persistent advocacy from labor unions, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
The announcement was made by Acting Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo during a meeting at the Government House in Yenagoa.
Present at the meeting were members of the state minimum wage implementation committee, local government chairpersons, and representatives from labor organizations such as the NLC, TUC, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Nigerian Union of Teachers, and Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria.
Ewhrudjakpo assured stakeholders that the new minimum wage adjustments would be implemented in December salaries.
He urged labor unions to submit their calculations based on the principle of consequential adjustment to ensure alignment with the state’s assessments for timely payment.
The agreement on the new wage structure was reached unanimously, reflecting collaboration between the government and labor unions.
Ewhrudjakpo also revealed that the state is reviewing a federal circular on pensioners’ remuneration increases.
Meanwhile, Bayelsa has approved a N10,000 pension increase across the board, despite financial constraints.
Highlighting Bayelsa’s fiscal realities, Ewhrudjakpo explained that while the federal government has more financial mechanisms at its disposal, state and local governments operate within stricter limits.
He emphasized the need to balance worker compensation with broader priorities, including healthcare, education, security, and infrastructure.
“We are committed to improving worker welfare, but we must also address the needs of the larger community,” Ewhrudjakpo said, appealing for understanding from labor representatives.
In response, Comrade Simon Barnabas, chairman of the state NLC, commended the government for the wage approval.
However, he urged them to adopt federal guidelines for consequential adjustments and consider an additional N32,000 pension increase as outlined in recent federal directives.
The new wage implementation marks progress in addressing labor concerns, though discussions on further adjustments and pension increases remain ongoing.
