• Governor Douye Diri approved 108 completed one-bedroom apartments for Bayelsa civil servants
• The housing units are located at the state housing estate in Okaka, Yenagoa
• The governor ordered immediate resolution of minimum wage issues affecting Bayelsa fire service workers

Governor Douye Diri of Bayelsa State has approved the allocation of 108 completed one-bedroom apartments to civil servants in the state, in a fresh move aimed at improving workers’ welfare.

The governor made the announcement on Friday, May 1, during the 2026 May Day celebration held at Peace Park in Yenagoa, the Bayelsa State capital.

Diri said the housing units, located at the state’s housing estate in Okaka, would be allocated to workers and directed the Bayelsa State Housing and Property Development Authority, alongside the Office of the Head of Service, to work out the modalities for distribution.

The governor also approved the payment of promotion arrears for civil servants and directed the immediate implementation of annual promotion steps in line with civil service regulations.

The approvals were part of several requests presented by organised labour under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) during the Workers’ Day celebration.

In response to another request from labour leaders, Diri said his administration had amended the law establishing the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, confirming that the institution is now fully owned by the Bayelsa State Government.

He noted that he signed the amended law on March 10, 2025.

Addressing concerns over workers in the Bayelsa State Fire Service who were reportedly excluded from the implementation of the new minimum wage due to differences in salary structure, the governor directed the Head of Service and the Commissioner for Local Government to resolve the matter and ensure the affected workers are captured.

Diri recalled that his administration had already approved a new minimum wage of N80,000 for civil servants in October 2024.

On transportation, the governor disclosed plans to expand the state’s transport fleet with the acquisition of additional vehicles, including Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) buses, to improve mobility across the state.

He added that the government’s ongoing investment in power infrastructure, especially the independent power project, would help support the operation of the new buses.

Although he acknowledged the constitutional autonomy of local governments, Diri urged local council chairmen to pay outstanding Christmas bonuses owed to workers in their councils.

He praised workers in the state for their commitment and contributions to governance, saying their support had played a major role in the administration’s achievements.

He said, “To our civil servants who keep the government running, teachers who mould the minds of future generations, health workers who safeguard lives, and security agencies who ensure peace and stability, your dedication and selfless service remain the bedrock of our progress.

“The strides we have made together testify to the strength of unity and the power of shared purpose between the government and workers in Bayelsa State. These achievements are not just government projects; they are the result of our collective effort.”

Earlier, the NLC and TUC, in a joint address delivered by NLC Chairman, Comrade Barnabas Simon, commended the governor for prioritising workers’ welfare.

The labour unions also praised the progress made on the ongoing nine-storey civil servants’ secretariat project, noting that it would create a more conducive working environment for workers when completed.

They further applauded the administration’s infrastructure drive across the state and pledged continued support for the government.

Sanwo-Olu presents 100 official vehicles to Lagos directors to boost governance

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, presented official vehicles to Level 17 officers in the Lagos State Public Service, describing the initiative as a practical step to enhance service delivery across the state’s bureaucracy.

The governor said the beneficiaries are directors who play critical roles in ensuring that ministries, departments, and agencies deliver results efficiently.

He explained that providing official vehicles was a deliberate move to enable the officers to perform their responsibilities more effectively.