Jonathan Urges Nationwide Salary Harmonisation as Bayelsa Retirees Launch ₦500m Secretariat
Former President Goodluck Jonathan has called for the harmonisation of salaries and organisational structures across federal and state civil services, saying well-designed reforms would strengthen public service nationwide.
Jonathan made the call in Yenagoa during the foundation-laying and fundraising ceremony for the proposed secretariat complex of the Bayelsa State Association of Retired Permanent Secretaries.
He commended the association for initiating the project and praised the quality of personnel in Bayelsa’s public service, noting that they compare favourably with their counterparts at the federal level.
Reflecting on his administration as Bayelsa State governor, Jonathan recalled introducing Grade Level 17 for directors in the state civil service. Before that restructuring, directors retired on Grade Level 16.
He cited the reform while advocating greater consistency in civil service structures across the country.
The former president also said a dedicated secretariat for retired permanent secretaries would benefit both the association’s members and the wider public.
Bayelsa State Governor Douye Diri pledged the state government’s support for the development. Represented by the Head of Service, Dr Ebiye Sawyer, the governor commended the retired officials for their vision and continued dedication.
In his welcome address, the association’s chairman, King Collins Ebi Daniel, said the proposed complex would serve as an institutional monument to the legacy of public service.
He explained that the facility would accommodate administrative offices, event halls, conference rooms and recreational amenities.
According to Daniel, the project has an estimated cost of ₦500 million and is expected to be completed within two years.
The ceremony featured the formal laying of the foundation by Jonathan, a fundraising session to support construction and a cultural performance by the Bayelsa State Council for Arts and Culture.
