The Bayelsa State government has provided an explanation after public scrutiny over its personnel cost, confirming that cumulative payments to political appointees and associated overheads exceeded N1 billion for a recent period.
State officials told reporters that the figure covers allowances, statutory entitlements, arrears, and severance obligations tied to a broad cohort of political appointees and transitional payments following administrative changes. The disclosure came amid calls for fiscal prudence and clearer budgetary controls from civil society groups and opposition figures.
Authorities said the payments were made in line with existing laws and contractual commitments, and that the state treasury remains solvent. The government added that it is working to rationalize recurrent expenditures, reduce waste, and prioritize capital projects that drive revenue generation and service delivery.
Local economic analysts cautioned that while some payments are unavoidable, sustained high recurrent costs could crowd out investments in infrastructure and social services; they urged stricter payroll audits and clearer public reporting to reassure citizens.
