Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, on Tuesday commenced the disbursement of another tranche of backlog gratuity payments to no fewer than 1,000 retired local government workers in the state.
Speaking during the official flag-off ceremony held at the Gombe Government House, Governor Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to clearing all outstanding entitlements owed to retirees, both at the state and local government levels.
The Governor disclosed that since assuming office in 2019, his administration has so far paid over 25 billion in gratuities to both state and local government retirees across the 11 LGA’s.
He noted that the latest tranche represents the sacred fulfilment of the government’s obligation to the civil servants (both retired and active) who dedicated their productive years in service to Gombe State.
“I am proud to announce that through disciplined financial management and unwavering commitment to the welfare of our civil servants both retired and active, we have so far disbursed 23.566 billion naira in gratuity payments over the past 6 years.
“With today’s additional payment of NGN2,060,337,466.45 (two billion, sixty million, three hundred and thirty-seven thousand, four hundred- and sixty-six-naira, forty-five kobo), we have achieved a historic cumulative payment of 25.626 billion naira in gratuity payments from 2019 to date,” he stated.
Continuing Yahaya added, “When we assumed office in 2019, we inherited over 21-billion-naira in gratuity backlogs; a sordid legacy of unmet obligations that weighed heavily on our retired civil servants. Our Local governments unable to pay salaries or meet their basic obligations. Between 2013 and 2019, the previous administration routinely borrowed funds in order to pay monthly salaries.”
While harping on the government’s goals, he added, “I would like to reiterate our firm commitment to achieving zero gratuity liability by 2027 through sustained quarterly payments, innovative public financial management strategies and prudent fiscal planning.”
Yahaya further disclosed that the disbursement will be made based on an equitable payment model where each local government will pay according to its financial capacity with Kwami, Nafada and Funakaye settling for their 2023 retirees; Akko, Billiri and Shongom for 2016 and 2017 retirees; Dukku for 2016 retirees; Balanga for 2015 and 2016 retirees; Gombe and Kaltungo for 2014 and 2015 retirees; and Yamaltu Deba for 2015 retirees.
Speaking earlier, Auditor-General and Chairman of the Committee on Payment of Gratuities, Muhammad Buba, commended Governor Yahaya for his commitment to fulfilling the promise made to retired civil servants of ensuring the backlog of their entitlements neglected by the previous government, are settled.
He called on the senior citizens who are beneficiaries of the gratuity payments to utilize the funds judiciously to support their post-retirement livelihood and contribute meaningfully to the society.
Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Malam Umar Maude, described the payment as a “life-saving gesture,” noting that if the previous administration had taken similar action, the current government could have focused on other pressing development needs.
“Out of the governor’s magnanimity, he has sacrificed significant resources to pay off gratuity backlogs that have accumulated for over ten years- long before he came into office. In the past, we were given false hopes. Many of our colleagues died due to hunger, poverty, and untreated health conditions. But today, after more than a decade, we are smiling to the banks. Under this administration, the deaths of retirees have decreased because on regular basis, our entitlements are being paid which we use to take care of our well being and attain to our health demands,” he added.
