In 5 years, my administration paid N20bn gratuity arrears – Diri 

The governor of Bayelsa state, Senator Douye Diri, has said that his administration paid over N20 billion as arrears of gratuity to retired workers in the state since 2020.

Senator Diri spoke Tuesday during the inauguration of the secretariat building of both the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) at Amarata, Yenagoa.

The complex, built by the state government, was inaugurated by the Rivers state governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara.

Governor Diri stated that the edifice symbolises the harmonious relationship between labour and his administration, adding that more would be achieved when there is industrial harmony.

He said worker’s welfare had always been a top priority of his administration.

He said: “When we came on board, the issue of outstanding gratuities and pensions were on the front burner. We immediately made it as a matter of policy to ensure that our senior citizens were respected by paying their arrears over the years. 

“At this fifth anniversary of our administration, we have paid over N20 billion as gratuity and pension to retired citizens and we will continue to ensure that they receive them. Before we leave office, we would have cleared the backlog.”

Diri appreciated labour in the state for always resorting to dialogue instead of industrial action whenever there was disagreement and promised to always work with them to improve their welfare.

The Bayelsa helmsman added that his Rivers counterpart was chosen to inaugurate the project due to his commitment to the welfare of workers in his state and as a career civil servant who attained the peak of his career.

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