Gombe Government Pays N25.6 Billion in Gratuities to Retirees, Confirms Governor Yahaya
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has revealed that his administration has paid a total of ₦25.6 billion in gratuities to retired civil servants since 2019. The governor made the disclosure on Tuesday during the official presentation of ₦2.06 billion to local government retirees in Gombe. The latest tranche is part of a broader payment plan aimed at settling outstanding gratuities and pension liabilities in the state. Governor Yahaya stated that the current administration inherited over ₦21 billion in unpaid gratuities dating back to 2014. He said more than ₦17 billion of this backlog has already been cleared, while the remaining balance is being settled in phases. He noted that the disbursement of the ₦2.06 billion is drawn from the ₦6.563 billion earlier approved in June to cover outstanding benefits for retirees from 2021 to 2023. “When we came into office, we were confronted with a huge burden of gratuity arrears. But through financial discipline and quarterly releases of funds, we have made substantial progress. Today, we have paid a total of ₦25.6 billion to our retirees,” Yahaya said. He added that a committee was set up to ensure the proper verification and transparent payment of beneficiaries, warning against any acts of corruption or mismanagement. The governor reaffirmed his commitment to fully offsetting all outstanding gratuities by 2027, stressing that his government will not relent in prioritizing the welfare of retired workers. Retirees present at the event commended the state government’s efforts, describing the payments as timely and life-saving. One of the beneficiaries, Alhaji Isa Maikudi, said the payment would allow him to complete his house and meet other long-delayed personal needs. Governor Yahaya called on civil servants still in active service to remain dedicated, assuring them that the state would continue to honour its obligations to them during and after their service. He concluded by reaffirming that the prompt payment of entitlements is a moral and social obligation that his administration will continue to uphold.
