Bayelsa Govt Approves N30,000 New Minimum Wage  Adjustment For Over 6,000 Pensioners

The Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri has approved the implementation of the N30,000 New Minimum Wage adjustment for pensioners and other retirees in Bayelsa who were not captured when the policy came into  effect.

Over six thousand retirees are involved in this consequential adjustments to reflect current economic realities.

This development is in fulfilment of a promise made by Governor Diri during the 2023 Worker’s Day Celebration, following the submission of a report by an implementation committee headed by the Secretary to the Bayelsa State Government, Alabo Gideon Ekeuwei.

Speaking shortly after the  Governor signed the implementation document, Alabo Ekeuwei said the approval was another indication of Senator Douye Dirii’s friendly disposition to labour, particularly to retired senior citizens who have contributed their quota for the development of the state.

He informed that the consequential minimum wage adjustment would cut across categories of pensioners from grade level one to seventeen, not excluding retired permanent secretaries and Director Generals who served in the old Rivers State.

In the approved recommendations, additional N20,000 has been added to monthly pay of 386 retirees who were receiving the sum of N10,000 and below.

Also, additional sum of N10,000.00 has been added to retirees who were receiving between N11,000.00 and N20,000.00.

Other recommendations include upward review by 100 percent of the pay of 374 pensioners who retired on the grade level between 01 and 06.

Also, 50 per cent upgrade was approved for 3044 retirees on grade level 07 and 14 while 30 per cent pay upgrade was approved for 1472 pensioners who retired at grade level between 15 and 17.

Also, the Governor approved for implementation an upgrade of N500,000.00 monthly pay for five retired Permanent Secretaries whose monthly pay were not in tune with current pay package.

According to the Secretary to the Government, the cost implication of the pay adjustment is around sixty eight million Naira and monthly payment is with effect from 1st October, 2023.

Meanwhile, the Chairman of the Bayelsa State Chapter of National Union of Pensioners, Comrade Williams Ayebaikiye has expressed delight over the development.

Ayibaikiye who was present at the brief signing ceremony, along with other officials of the union said they were overwhelmed by the magnanimity of the Governor.

He said the inclusion of pensioners in the improved new minimum wage payroll would positively impact on the economic well-being of retirees.

Among those present during the signing, were the Bayelsa State Head of Service, Mrs. Biobelemoye Charles – Onyenma, Mr. Timipre Seipulou, Technical Adviser to the Governor on Treasury, Accounts and Revenue and Mr. Anthony Ikobho, the Permanent Secretary, General Services who manned the secretariat.