Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, has announced that his administration has paid over N20 billion in gratuity arrears to retired workers since 2020.
Speaking on Tuesday at the inauguration of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) secretariat in Amarata, Yenagoa, Diri emphasized his government’s commitment to workers’ welfare. The newly completed complex, built by the state government, was inaugurated by Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.
Diri described the building as a symbol of the harmonious relationship between his administration and the labour unions, stressing that industrial peace leads to greater achievements. He commended the unions for prioritizing dialogue over strikes and reassured them of his continued support.
He also reiterated his call for the creation of more states for the Ijaw ethnic nationality, advocating for the establishment of Toru-Ebe and Oil River states to address the minority status of Ijaws in various states. Additionally, he criticized the federal government’s control over local government creation, arguing that states should determine and fund their own local governments.
Governor Fubara, in his remarks, praised Diri’s labour-friendly policies and urged workers to maintain a cooperative relationship with the government. He assured that Rivers and Bayelsa states would continue to work together for mutual development, resolving past tensions that had caused friction between the two states.
Labour leaders from the NLC and TUC lauded the project as a product of strong government-labour collaboration and pledged to use the facility to advance workers’ interests. The state’s Commissioner for Labour, Employment, and Productivity, Chief Odoko Omiloli, noted that the project was inherited from the previous administration and successfully completed under Diri’s leadership.
