The Bayelsa State Government has approved a new welfare package including allowances, promotion arrears, and retirement extensions for public sector workers.
The Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Dr. Peter Akpe, announced the approvals on Tuesday, 14 July 2026.
Dr. Akpe made the announcement during an enlarged meeting with labour leaders and top government officials at the Government House in Yenagoa.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Nimibofa Ayawei, and the Head of Service, Dr. Ebiye Sawyer, also attended the meeting.
The new welfare packages, which are expected to cost billions of naira, target workers in the mainstream civil service, local government, and education sectors.
According to Dr. Akpe, Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, approved the extension of the retirement age for health workers from 60 to 65 years.
Mr. Diri also approved an extension of their years of service from 35 to 40 years.
The governor approved the 2026 medical residency training fund and revised earned allowances.
The package also includes the implementation of the 2025 promotions and arrears for staff of the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital (NDUTH).
Other benefits include a uniform allowance for primary healthcare workers and nurses, alongside promotion and step-increment arrears.
The government also approved a specialist allowance for doctors on the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) Grade 5.
Additionally, the administration approved gratuities and pensions for retired staff of the Environmental Sanitation Department under the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
Speaking at the meeting, Dr. Akpe described the government and organised labour as strategic partners in strengthening the bureaucracy.
“The present administration in the state, led by Governor Douye Diri, has done much for workers through its labour-friendly policies and programmes,” Dr. Akpe said.
He urged the various labour unions and their affiliates to continue supporting government policies.
The welfare package builds on previous labour reforms implemented by the state government to cushion the effects of economic challenges.
In November 2024, Mr. Diri approved an N80,000 minimum wage for civil servants and local government workers in Bayelsa State.
The state government is expected to begin the implementation of the new allowances and promotion arrears.
Relevant ministries will coordinate with the office of the Head of Service to disburse the funds to the affected workers.
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