April 30, (THEWILL) – In what appears to be a May Day gift for workers, the Bayelsa State Government has approved the implementation of the 25/35 percent salary increase along with the payment of six months’ arrears to civil servants, including members of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).
Deputy Governor, Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, announced the approval during a meeting with leaders of organised labour at the Government House, Yenagoa, on Tuesday.
According to a statement issued by the Deputy Governor’s Senior Special Assistant on Media, Mr. Doubara Atasi, the new salary structure takes effect from November 2024.
It also noted that a similar approval had earlier been granted to workers in the state’s tertiary institutions.
The statement added that the payment would be implemented based on workers’ grade levels, with full rollout beginning next month.
The six-month arrears would be paid in phases over a 12-month period.
Senator Ewhrudjakpo explained that the state government would adopt a ministry-by-ministry approach to spread the financial burden, citing the significant cost implications.
He said, “The Governor has approved the implementation of the 25 and 35 percent salary increase, just as we earlier did for workers in tertiary institutions. The benchmark is clear: those on Grade Level 17, including Permanent Secretaries, will receive a 35 percent increase, while all others on Grade Level 16 and below will receive 25 percent.
“However, due to the huge financial cost, government cannot pay all the arrears at once. The payment will be staggered across one year and handled on a ministry-by-ministry basis.”
In her remarks, the Head of Service, Mrs. Biobelemoye Charles-Onyema, commended Governor Douye Diri for approving the pay rise, describing it as a significant step toward sustaining cordial labour relations in the state.
Also speaking, the state Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Simon Barnabas, and the Chairman of the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, Comrade Andabai Embeleokpo Sonia, expressed appreciation to the government for the gesture.
Leaders of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), and the Law Officers Association of Nigeria (LOAN), among others, were present at the meeting.
Amos Okioma is a Correspondent at THEWILL
