State government approves new allowances, benefits for workers

State government approves new allowances, benefits for workers

The Bayelsa State Government has approved a new set of welfare packages for civil servants, health workers, teachers and other categories of employees in the state, covering allowances, salary-related benefits, promotions and retirement packages.

The approvals include the payment of promotion and step increment arrears for workers, as well as the implementation of outstanding promotions for staff of the Niger Delta University Teaching Hospital.

The government also approved revised earned allowances and other financial benefits for eligible employees.

Health workers are among the major beneficiaries of the new welfare measures.

The state approved an extension of the retirement age for health workers from 60 to 65 years and increased their years of service from 35 to 40 years.

The government also approved a 2026 medical residency training fund for doctors, specialist allowance for doctors on CONMESS 5 salary grade, and uniform allowances for primary healthcare workers and nurses.

Retired workers under the CONHESS salary structure at the Environmental Sanitation Department are also expected to benefit from the approval of gratuities and pension-related payments.

The packages followed discussions between the state government and organised labour unions, including representatives of workers in the civil service, health sector, education sector and local government system.