By Our Correspondent

National News – Douye Diri has approved 108 one-bedroom housing units for civil servants in Bayelsa State, alongside the payment of promotion arrears, during the 2026 May Day celebration in Yenagoa.

The announcement, made at Peace Park on May 1, 2026, addresses long-standing welfare concerns among workers and reinforces the state government’s commitment to improving living standards.

The governor also directed relevant agencies to ensure transparent allocation of the Okaka housing estate apartments.

Diri stated that the initiative will benefit low- and mid-level civil servants struggling with accommodation challenges.

He tasked the Bayelsa State Housing and Property Development Authority and the Head of Service to immediately develop allocation guidelines.

In addition, the government approved the implementation of annual promotion steps and settlement of outstanding arrears, responding to demands presented by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress.

Addressing wage-related concerns, the governor reaffirmed the state’s N80,000 minimum wage introduced in October 2024 and ordered a resolution for fire service workers previously excluded due to salary structure differences.

He also revealed that the University of Africa, Toru-Orua, has been fully converted into a state-owned institution following an amended law signed on March 10, 2025.

On infrastructure, Diri disclosed plans to procure additional vehicles, including CNG buses, to enhance public transportation.

He noted that ongoing investments in power, particularly the state’s independent power project, would support these services.

Labour leaders, led by NLC Chairman Barnabas Simon, commended the administration for prioritising workers’ welfare and ongoing projects like the nine-storey civil servants’ secretariat.

They pledged continued cooperation, highlighting the importance of government-worker collaboration in achieving development goals.

The governor also urged local government chairmen to clear outstanding Christmas bonuses, stressing shared responsibility in worker welfare.

He praised civil servants, teachers, health workers, and security agencies for their role in sustaining governance and development in the state.