Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has flagged off the disbursement of another tranche of backlog gratuity payments to retired local government workers in the state, totaling over N2 billion.
Speaking during the official ceremony held on Tuesday at the Government House, Gombe, the Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to clearing all outstanding entitlements owed to both state and local government retirees.
He disclosed that his administration has so far paid a cumulative sum of N25.626 billion in gratuity payments since assuming office in 2019.
“When we assumed office, we inherited over N21 billion in gratuity arrears. Through disciplined financial management and commitment to the welfare of civil servants, we have disbursed N23.566 billion over the last six years. Today, with the release of an additional N2.060 billion, our total payment has reached N25.626 billion,” the Governor said.
Governor Yahaya attributed the backlogs to the inability of local governments to meet their obligations under previous administrations, noting that between 2013 and 2019, salaries were often paid through borrowings.
He pledged to achieve zero gratuity liability by 2027 through continued quarterly payments and improved public financial management.
The disbursement, according to the Governor, will follow an equitable payment model, with each local government area paying retirees based on its financial capacity. He gave the breakdown of beneficiaries by LGA and year of retirement, including retirees dating back to 2014.
In his remarks, the Auditor-General of the state and Chairman of the Gratuity Payment Committee, Muhammad Buba Gombe, praised the Governor for prioritising the welfare of retirees. He urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the funds.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Malam Umar Abdu Maude described the payment as “life-saving,” adding that many retirees had died in the past due to neglect and lack of support.
“Many of us waited over a decade. If this administration had not intervened, we would still be hoping in vain. But today, we are finally smiling to the bank,” he said.
Highlight of the event was the symbolic presentation of cheques to selected retirees, some of whom exited service as far back as 2014.
