Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, announced on Tuesday that his administration has paid more than N20 billion in gratuity arrears to retired workers since he assumed office in 2020.
Speaking during the inauguration of a new secretariat building for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Amarata, Yenagoa, Diri emphasized the importance of workers’ welfare and industrial harmony in achieving greater success.
“When we assumed office, outstanding gratuities and pensions were a major concern. We immediately adopted a policy to honor our senior citizens by settling their accumulated arrears,” Diri stated. “As we mark our fifth year in office, we have disbursed over N20 billion in gratuities and pensions to retirees. We will continue this effort and ensure the backlog is cleared before we leave office.”
The newly built complex, which was inaugurated by Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, symbolizes the robust partnership between Diri’s administration and organized labor. Diri also praised labor unions in the state for their preference for dialogue over industrial action, affirming his government’s unwavering support.
“Industrial harmony will lead to greater achievements,” the governor remarked.
Additionally, Diri spoke on the political representation of the Ijaw ethnic group, urging the Ijaw National Congress (INC) to push for the creation of Toru-Ebe and Oil River states. He explained that the division of the Ijaw people across multiple states has led to their minority status, and he described Bayelsa’s current structure of just eight local government areas as an injustice that should be addressed by the federal government.
Governor Fubara, who praised Diri’s labor-friendly policies, encouraged workers to maintain a cooperative relationship with the government. He also expressed a commitment to fostering unity and collaboration between Bayelsa and Rivers States, which had previously been strained for 16 years.
In their remarks, representatives of the NLC and TUC, former Bayelsa NLC Chairman Comrade Ebipre Ndiomu and Austin Jonah, also commended the state government for the new secretariat, calling it a testament to the strong partnership between labor and the state government.