The sum of N4.2 billion has been paid to over 2,000 retirees in Gombe State in continuation of the government’s commitment to settling outstanding gratuities inherited from the previous administration.
The disbursement of the amount in cheques was done by the State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, who presented the cheques to beneficiaries on Monday.
The payments followed last week’s State Executive Council meeting, during which there was approval that disbursement to retirees who served the state and retired between 2019 and 2020 be made.
In his address, Inuwa Yahaya revealed that his administration has so far settled the sum of N17.235 billion out of the N21 billion backlog of unpaid gratuities inherited from the past government.
He assured the public that all outstanding payments would be cleared before the end of his tenure.
The Governor stated, “Today’s event demonstrates our resolve to leave no liabilities behind. I am pleased to reaffirm that it is our solemn commitment to clear all gratuity obligations before the end of our tenure in 2027.”
He stressed that, “By doing so, we aim to leave a legacy of accountability and compassion, thus ensuring no retiree is left without the benefits they so rightly deserve.”
He added, “Since assuming office, my administration has prioritised the welfare of our retirees and civil servants. We have settled gratuities for 11,685 retirees, amounting to over N13 billion for those who retired between 2014 and 2018.”
“Today, we are disbursing N4.2 billion to another 2,024 retirees who left service between 2019 and 2020,” Governor Inuwa Yahaya stated.
He stated that for the local government retirees, his administration has adopted a pragmatic approach by aligning each local government’s payment capacity with its financial resources.
He, however, assured that talks are ongoing with the local government chairmen to work out implementable plans so that local government retirees will further benefit from a similar gesture as their counterparts at the state level.
The Governor also highlighted that as part of the effort to enhance the welfare of civil servants, his administration recently implemented the N70,000 minimum wage for state government workers.
He stressed that it was a bold step that reflected his administration’s determination to shield civil servants from the harsh realities of economic challenges, particularly in the aftermath of the fuel subsidy removal.
He also stated that his government revitalised the civil service through structural reforms, including the establishment of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms, the introduction of a biometric attendance system to enhance transparency, and the rationalisation of ministries to reduce bureaucratic inefficiencies while ensuring regular promotions with financial implications.
Inuwa Yahaya further commended the labour unions, retiree associations, and other stakeholders for their patience, cooperation, and constructive dialogue throughout this process.
He said, “Your support has been instrumental in guiding our reforms and ensuring the welfare of civil servants remains a top priority for our administration.”
Speaking on behalf of the leadership and members of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Gombe State Chapter, Barr. Aliyu Gadalima Doho commended the Governor for his compassionate leadership and unprecedented efforts to address the backlog of gratuities.
He noted that many pensioners had endured financial difficulties over the years before the coming of his administration, describing the payment as a “lifesaver” for retirees and their dependents.
Earlier in his welcome address, the State Auditor-General and Chairman of the Standing Committee to Review and Ascertain the Correctness of Outstanding Gratuity and its Payment, Muhammed Buba, applauded Governor Inuwa Yahaya for consistently allocating funds for the payment of the backlog of gratuities neglected by the previous administration since 2014.
He assured the Governor and the senior citizens that his committee will continue to work on its mandate for the benefit of the retired civil servants.
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
