ASUU Strike: Bayelsa Approves N500m Monthly Allowances for University Workers
Korede Abdullah 
Bayelsa State Deputy Governor, Peter Akpe
YENAGOA, Nigeria – The Bayelsa State Government has approved the implementation of the Consolidated Academic Tools Allowance (CATA) and Consolidated Non-Teaching Tools Allowance (CONTTA) for staff of its three state-owned universities in a move aimed at resolving the ongoing industrial dispute with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Deputy Governor Senator Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo Akpe disclosed the approval on Friday after a meeting with ASUU leaders representing Niger Delta University (NDU), Bayelsa Medical University (BMU) and the University of Africa, Toru-Orua.
He said the implementation of the allowances would cost the state government an additional N500 million every month.
According to Akpe, the decision followed a resolution of the Bayelsa State House of Assembly and formed part of broader efforts by Governor Douye Diri’s administration to address the union’s demands and restore academic activities.
He also announced that payment of the approved wage increase, estimated at N2.25 billion, would commence in October 2026, while the outstanding arrears relating to the 25 and 35 per cent wage award had been captured in the state’s 2027 budget.
“His Excellency, the Governor does not want any kind of fracas or friction with labour,” Akpe said.
“We decided not to tow that path in the interest of our children and the good relationship we have maintained with labour over the years as a government.”
The deputy governor appealed to ASUU to suspend its indefinite strike and allow students to return to classrooms, expressing confidence that the government had substantially addressed the union’s concerns.
“This is the position of the government, and I believe that with the short discussion we have had here today, we have met most, if not all, of your demands. Let us now allow normalcy to return to our universities,” he added.
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