The multi-billion-naira package, announced on Monday, underscores Governor Douye Diri’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare and strengthening the state’s public service.
Deputy Governor Dr. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo (or if following the provided text, Dr. Peter Akpe) disclosed the approvals during an enlarged meeting with labour leaders, government officials and representatives of various unions at Government House, Yenagoa.
He revealed that Governor Diri had approved the extension of the retirement age for health workers from 60 to 65 years, while their years of service have been increased from 35 to 40 years.
The governor also approved funding for the 2026 Medical Residency Training Programme, revised earned allowances and the payment of 2025 promotion arrears for workers at the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH).
Other major approvals include:
- Payment of promotion and step increment arrears.
- Uniform allowance for primary healthcare workers and nurses.
- Specialist allowance for doctors on the CONMESS 5 salary structure.
- Payment of gratuities and pensions for eligible workers under the CONHESS salary structure.
- Additional welfare incentives across the mainstream civil service and local government system.
According to the deputy governor, the administration views organised labour as a critical partner in delivering effective governance and maintaining a productive public service.
He urged labour unions to continue supporting government policies aimed at improving service delivery and sustaining industrial harmony.
Commissioner for Information, Orientation and Strategy, Mrs. Ebiuwou Koku-Obiyai, said the state government carefully reviewed the demands presented by organised labour and approved more than 95 percent of the requests.
She described the decision as another demonstration of Governor Diri’s worker-friendly administration despite prevailing economic challenges.
The ASSURED Prosperity Government has approved over 95 percent of the demands presented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and other unions.
“This is a landmark achievement. Workers are happy, and government is equally pleased because Bayelsa continues to enjoy industrial peace,” she said.
Koku-Obiyai noted that the approval of uniform allowances for health workers was the first of its kind since the creation of Bayelsa State.
She called on workers to reciprocate government’s commitment through improved productivity and dedication to duty.
Commissioner for Labour, Employment and Productivity, Chief Saturday Odoko, described the approvals as historic, saying July 13, 2026, would remain a memorable day for workers in Bayelsa.
According to him, the agreements reached represent a win-win outcome for both government and organised labour.
Leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) and the Association of Resident Doctors commended the governor for approving nearly all their requests.
The labour leaders acknowledged the significant financial commitment involved and described the approvals as unprecedented in Bayelsa’s history.
They pledged continued cooperation with the state government to maintain industrial peace and ensure efficient public service delivery.
