The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has conferred the award of Best Governor on Local Government Reforms in Nigeria on Bayelsa State Governor, Sen. Douye Diri, for his sweeping reforms at the third tier of government.
The award was presented by NULGE President, Mr Aliyu Kankara, during the union’s conference in Yenagoa on Friday, themed “Promoting Local Government Workers’ Welfare: The Bayelsa Model.”
Kankara said Governor Diri transformed Bayelsa’s local government system through fiscal policy reforms that ensured regular promotions, improved service delivery, and enhanced workers’ welfare.
He highlighted the introduction of an N80,000 minimum wage for council workers, alongside a 25–30 per cent salary increase and consistent support for primary school teachers.
He added that Diri’s prompt payment of pensions and gratuities, described as unprecedented, positioned Bayelsa as the first state to pay retirement benefits immediately after service without delay.
“The Bayelsa governor has excelled in areas where many others have failed, especially in human capital development and grassroots workers’ welfare,” Kankara stated.
Since 2020, the administration has reportedly cleared over N20 billion in gratuity arrears, directly impacting retirees across the state.
Responding, Governor Diri insisted that salary and gratuity payments were basic obligations, not achievements, and part of the promise he made to workers on assuming office.
“When you retire at 60 or 65, gratuity should be automatic. In other countries, it’s taken for granted. That’s why I don’t see it as something to celebrate,” he said.
The governor explained that several local councils were financially distressed when he assumed office, prompting urgent reforms to restore their viability. He cited the payment of N7 billion in gratuities and pensions in a single month after a federal allocation windfall as part of his commitment.
Diri also commended his deputy, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo, for oversight of local councils and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Thompson Amule, for driving the reform agenda.
Council Chairmen, represented by Mr Lelei Tariye of Kolokuma/Opokuma, confirmed that council autonomy had been respected under Diri, even before the Supreme Court’s judgment enforcing it nationwide.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of N12 billion in cheques to more than 1,000 retirees from the eight local government areas of Bayelsa State.