By Victor Akan
The Gombe state government has begun disbursement of N4.2 billion outstanding gratuity arrears to 2,204 retirees.
Gov. Inuwa Yahaya, who inaugurated the exercise on Monday in Gombe, pledged to settle gratuity backlog before the expiration of his tenure in 2027.
He said that his administration inherited over N21 billion gratuity backlog for state and local government retirees from the previous administrations.
The governor said the government expended N17.2 billion to settle gratuity/pension liabilities inherited by his administration in the last six years.
Yahaya said that his administration had been struggling to clear past and present obligations which kept surging up as more workers exited the service.
According to him, the current outstanding gratuity obligations stand at N19 billion for state and local government retirees.
“We shall use all means possible to clear it so that we don’t leave such a burden again to whoever will inherit as the governor of Gombe State.
“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; thus, ensuring no retiree is left without the benefits they so rightly deserve,” he said.
Yahaya said the payment of gratuities and implementation of the N70, 000 minimum wage underscored his administration’s commitment to the welfare and dignity of civil servants and retirees.
The governor urged civil servants to approach their job with a renewed sense of dedication and excellence, adding that, “to whom much is given, much is expected.
“Let us work together to restore the glory of our civil service by building a service that is responsive, efficient and accountable to the needs of the people of Gombe State.”
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