JUST IN: Bayelsa State Governor Approves N80,000 Minimum Wage for Civil Servants

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri has approved a new minimum wage of N80,000 for civil servants, with implementation set to begin on November 1, 2024. He shared the update via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, underscoring the importance of this increase in light of current economic conditions.

“I have just announced the sum of N80,000 as the new minimum wage for Bayelsa State workers. It’s deserving when we look at the current economic realities! The new wage takes effect from November 1, 2024. Thanks for the patience,” the Governor posted.

This decision places Bayelsa among a growing list of Nigerian states raising minimum wages following recent federal adjustments. Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah recently approved an N80,000 minimum wage for Enugu workers, while Akwa Ibom Governor Umo Eno made a similar announcement for his state’s civil servants. Lagos and Rivers State Governors Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Siminalayi Fubara took their minimum wage up to N85,000 earlier in October.

The national push to elevate wages stems from the minimum wage increase signed into law by President Bola Tinubu in July, raising the national baseline salary from N30,000 to N70,000. Bayelsa’s adjustment reflects the administration’s commitment to supporting civil servants amid economic challenges.