Gombe State Disburses 4.2 Billion Naira Gratuity Backlog to Retirees 

Gombe State Governor, Inuwa Yahaya, has presented 4.2 billion naira cheques to over 2,000 retirees, in continuation of his commitment to settling outstanding gratuities.

The payments follow the meeting of the State Executive Council, where it approved the disbursement to retirees who served the state and retired between 2019 and 2020.

Governor Inuwa Yahaya revealed that his administration had so far settled 17.235 billion naira out of the 21 billion naira backlog of unpaid gratuities.

He gave the assurances to the public that all outstanding payments would be cleared before the end of his tenure.

“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.

“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,” Governor Yahaya said.

He said he had prioritised the welfare of retirees and civil servants in the state since assuming office in 2019, by settling gratuities for 11, 685 retirees, which amounts to over 13 billion naira 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 Yahaya stated.

Pragmatic Approach

said his administration had adopted a pragmatic approach by aligning each local government’s payment capacity with its financial resources, but that talks were ongoing with the local government chairmen to work out implementable plans that local government retirees would further benefit from a similar gesture as their counterparts at the state level.

The Governor said his administration was revitalising 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.

Regular Promotions

He promised regular promotions with financial implications to civil servants in the states.

Governor Yahaya further commended the labour unions, retiree associations, and other stakeholders for their patience, cooperation, and constructive dialogue throughout this process, saying “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, Mr. Aliyu Gadalima Doho, commended the Governor for his compassionate leadership and the 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.

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 Yahaya for consistently allocating funds for the payment of backlog of gratuities since 2014.

Confidence Okwuchi