Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, reiterated his administration’s commitment to settling the gratuity backlog for state and local government retirees, pledging to clear all liabilities by the end of his tenure in 2027.
During an event on Monday to distribute cheques for outstanding gratuities, Yahaya highlighted the strides his administration has made in addressing pension liabilities inherited from previous governments.
“When we assumed office in 2019, we inherited a backlog of over ₦21 billion in gratuities from previous administrations.
Recognising the gravity of this responsibility, our administration has so far cleared ₦17.2 billion of this amount,” he said.
However, Yahaya noted that the outstanding gratuity obligations now stand at ₦19 billion due to the continuous exit of civil servants from active service.
“Today’s event is a testament to our resolve to leave no liabilities behind.
It is our solemn commitment to clear all gratuity obligations before the end of our tenure in 2027.
By doing so, we aim to ensure that no retiree is denied the benefits they rightly deserve,” the governor affirmed.
Yahaya also pointed to other initiatives aimed at improving the welfare of state employees, including the implementation of a ₦70,000 minimum wage for civil servants.
“This bold step reflects our commitment to shielding workers from the economic challenges, especially following the removal of fuel subsidies,” he explained.
The governor praised labour unions, retiree associations, and other stakeholders for their cooperation throughout the process.
“I commend the labour unions and retiree associations for their patience and constructive dialogue, which have been instrumental in guiding our reforms and ensuring the welfare of civil servants remains a priority for this administration,” Yahaya concluded.
The governor’s remarks reinforce his administration’s focus on accountability and compassion, aiming to leave a lasting legacy of worker and retiree welfare in the state.
