Gov Dickson increases teachers' minimum wage by 18%

Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, has given approval for an 18 percent increase in the minimum wage for the state's teaching worksforce.

Dickson who is bidding for a second term in office disclosed the increase when he received official of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Yenagoa.

"I hereby approve the payment of your 18 percent minimum wage. Your role is invaluable," Dickson said.

"I am equally ready to improve on it as our finances improve."

He also said the government is set to commission the state's teachers training institute.

"In the next two weeks, we will commission the teachers training institute one of the best in the region."

READ:Sylva picks running mate as he plots Dickson's ouster on APC ticket

The governor however urged teachers to be patient with the government in the face of dwindling eoconomic fortunes.

"Our revenue profile is no longer what it used to be yet we have endeavored to pay salaries."

Dickson, a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), will be contesting the December 5th gubernatorial polls against a two-time governor ofthe state, Chief Timipre Sylva.

Sylva, a former PDP member, is running on the platform of the All Progressives Party Congress (APC).