Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has reiterated his administration’s commitment to addressing the long-standing gratuity liabilities for retirees in the state.
Speaking on Monday, December 6, during the presentation of cheques and the payment of backlog gratuities to state retirees, Yahaya revealed that his government has cleared ₦17.2 billion of the ₦21 billion inherited from previous administrations.
Yahaya, who assumed office in 2019, acknowledged the gravity of the responsibility his government faced when it inherited the substantial backlog of gratuities.
Despite significant progress in clearing these debts, the Governor noted that the obligations continue to rise as more civil servants retire.
“When we assumed office in 2019, we inherited a backlog of gratuities amounting to over ₦21 billion from previous administrations. Recognising the weight of this responsibility, our administration has made significant strides toward alleviating this burden,” Yahaya explained.
While ₦17.2 billion has been cleared, the outstanding gratuity liabilities now stand at ₦19 billion for both state and local government retirees.
Governor Yahaya pledged that his government is determined to clear all outstanding gratuities before the end of his tenure in 2027.
“Today’s event demonstrates our resolve to leave no liabilities behind. I am pleased to reaffirm that it is our solemn commitment to clear all gratuity obligations before the end of our tenure in 2027. By doing so, we aim to leave a legacy of accountability and compassion, ensuring no retiree is left without the benefits they so rightly deserve,” he said.
In addition to addressing the issue of gratuities, Yahaya highlighted his administration’s efforts to improve the welfare of state workers, including the recent implementation of a N70,000 minimum wage for state government employees.
This move, according to the Governor, reflects the government’s determination to protect civil servants from economic hardships, particularly in the wake of the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Yahaya also took the opportunity to commend the cooperation of labour unions, retiree associations, and other stakeholders in ensuring that civil servants’ welfare remains a top priority.
“I commend the labour unions, retiree associations, and other stakeholders for their patience, cooperation, and constructive dialogue throughout this process. Your support has been instrumental in guiding our reforms and ensuring the welfare of civil servants remains a top priority for our administration,” he added.
The Governor’s remarks underscore his commitment to providing financial security for the state’s retirees and civil servants while balancing the state’s economic challenges.
With a focus on legacy and accountability, Yahaya’s administration is poised to make significant strides in resolving longstanding financial obligations in the coming years.
