Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has disbursed N4.2 billion gratuities to 2,204 retirees.
Making the distribution in Gombe, the state capital, he reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to settling all outstanding payments inherited from the previous government.
The disbursement, approved during last week’s State Executive Council meeting, covers retirees who left service between 2019 and 2020.
The initiative, as made known by the governor, is part of his broader plan to address the N21 billion backlog of unpaid gratuities he inherited upon assuming office.
Speaking at the cheque presentation ceremony, Governor Yahaya disclosed that his administration has so far settled N17.235 billion in gratuities, covering 11,685 retirees who served between 2014 and 2018.
Pledging to clear all remaining liabilities before the end of his tenure in 2027, he noted that “today’s event demonstrates our resolve to leave no liabilities behind.
“It is our solemn commitment to ensure that all gratuity obligations are settled before our tenure ends. By doing so, we aim to leave a legacy of accountability and compassion, ensuring that no retiree is left without the benefits they so rightly deserve,” Governor Yahaya stated.
He reiterated his administration’s commitment to the welfare of retirees and civil servants, noting that gratuity payments for retirees from local governments are being handled pragmatically. Each local government’s payment capacity is aligned with its financial resources.
Governor Yahaya further revealed that discussions are ongoing with local government chairmen to develop implementable plans that will extend similar gratuity payments to retirees at the local government level.