FG Vows to Settle 20 Years Old Public Service Arrears by December
FG Vows to Settle 20 Years Old Public Service Arrears by December
The Federal Government has pledged to settle 20-year-old entitlements for public servants affected by the 2004–2007 reforms.
During a verification exercise in Gombe, officials assured that nearly all verified beneficiaries have been paid.
The government aims to achieve full settlement for the remaining individuals by December 2026.
Dasuki Arabi, Director-General of the BPSR, led the exercise focusing on former Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) staff. He noted that many workers were rightsized decades ago but remained unpaid due to administrative delays. The process involves multiple agencies, including the EFCC and ICPC, to ensure accountability.
Arabi highlighted recent successes, such as the full payment of former Nigeria Immigration Service staff following a similar exercise.
He credited the current administration for prioritizing these outstanding debts. The bureau is now focused on closing the final chapters of these long-standing reform grievances.
Regarding the progress of the payments, Arabi said: “The Bureau of Public Service Reforms, as the central agency managing this exercise, is proud to inform Nigerians that we have virtually cleared 99.9 per cent of everybody that needs to be paid.” Legal disputes are also being settled out of court to speed up the process.
The initiative specifically targets those affected by the mid-2000s public service reforms, rather than recent judicial pay issues. During those reforms, some staff were redeployed while others exited the service after failing qualifying exams.
The government maintains that every lawful entitlement, including pensions and gratuities, will be honored.
A significant challenge remains in locating beneficiaries who have relocated or lost contact over the last 20 years.
To address this, the government has launched nationwide radio and newspaper advertisements. They are also collaborating with PTAD to identify and reach disengaged staff or their next-of-kin.
Beneficiaries present at the Gombe exercise expressed relief and gratitude for the government’s recognition of their past service. For many, this verification marks the end of a two-decade wait for their benefits.
The BPSR remains optimistic about meeting its 2026 deadline for total clearance.
