Gombe: The Gombe State Government has expended N25.6 billion in payment of gratuities to retirees over the past six years. Gov. Inuwa Yahaya announced this during the presentation of cheques for the payment of backlog of gratuities to Local Government Councils' retirees in Gombe.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Yahaya stated that his administration inherited a N21.8 billion backlog of unpaid gratuities and unmet obligations, which had heavily impacted retired civil servants. However, he affirmed that his administration had settled these inherited obligations and begun addressing those accrued during his tenure.
The governor emphasized that this effort demonstrates his administration's commitment to accountability and improving the welfare of workers who have dedicated their productive years to service. He noted that a total of N23.566 billion in gratuity payments had been disbursed over the past six years. With the additional payment of N2.06 billion, the cumulative payments have reached N25.626 billion from 2019 to date.
Yahaya highlighted that the cumulative gratuity of the state, including the inherited N21 billion, stands at N37 billion, with N16 billion covering obligations during his administration. The outstanding obligation for the state and Local Government Councils (LGCs) amounts to N12.07 billion, representing 32.01 percent.
He reiterated his commitment to achieving zero gratuity liability by 2027 through sustained quarterly payments, innovative public financial management strategies, and prudent fiscal planning.
Mr. Umar Abdu, Chairman of the Committee for the Review and Ascertain the Correctness of Outstanding Gratuity and Payment, stated that the N2.06 billion disbursement would cover over 1,000 LGC retirees. Abdu further mentioned that with the current payment, over N19.3 billion had been paid to state retirees and N6.5 billion to LGC retirees.