Bayelsa Approves ₦80,000 Minimum Wage For LG Workers

The Bayelsa State Government has approved a minimum wage of ₦80,000 for local government workers, following pressure from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

Acting Governor Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo announced the decision during a meeting at the Government House with stakeholders, including representatives from the NLC, TUC, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, Nigerian Union of Teachers, and Medical and Health Workers’ Union of Nigeria.

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EKO HOT BLOG reports that he stated that the differential adjustments for November’s wages would be included in December’s salaries once harmonized with input from the state minimum wage implementation committee and labour unions.

Ewhrudjakpo emphasized that the agreement to implement the new minimum wage was reached unanimously by key stakeholders, including the chairmen of the state’s eight local government councils. He also addressed pension adjustments, confirming a ₦10,000 increase for pensioners, citing the state’s financial limitations as a reason for not adopting the Federal Government’s wage adjustment template.

“While we have agreed on the ₦80,000 minimum wage, the consequential adjustments must reflect the financial realities of the state. Bayelsa cannot match the Federal Government’s rates due to limited resources. However, we remain committed to the welfare of our workers,” Ewhrudjakpo said, adding that Bayelsa pays one of the most competitive wages in the South-South region.

He urged labour unions to prioritize the sustainability of the state and local governments during negotiations, pointing out that only 15% of the population comprises politicians and civil servants, while the majority rely on public services funded by the same resources.

In response, the state NLC chairman, Simon Barnabas, expressed gratitude for the approval of the new minimum wage but called on the government to adopt the Federal Government’s template for wage adjustments and to increase pensions by ₦32,000 in line with the Federal Government’s recent directive.

This development underscores Bayelsa’s commitment to enhancing workers’ welfare while balancing its financial capacity with the demands of organized labour.

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