Kebbi State Governor, Nasir Idris, has approved the release of over ₦1.8 billion to settle gratuities, death benefits, and outstanding entitlements owed to retirees, contract staff, and families of deceased civil servants in the state.
According to a statement on Wednesday by the Head of Service, Malami Shekare, and signed by the Director of Administration, Rashidu Muhammad-Bala, the funds were disbursed in two phases. The first phase, covering March 16 to June 15, 2025, saw ₦933.03 million paid to 404 beneficiaries, while the second phase, from June 16 to September 15, 2025, recorded ₦932.95 million disbursed to 443 beneficiaries.
Beneficiaries include personnel from the State Civil Service, Local Government Councils, Local Government Education Authorities, contract staff, and dependants of deceased workers.
The release comes amid nationwide agitation by retirees over delayed access to retirement benefits, a situation compounded by fiscal constraints at both state and federal levels. Kebbi State, like several others, has been managing inherited liabilities running into multiple years.
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Since assuming office in 2023, Governor Idris has prioritised workers’ welfare, introducing measures to rebuild confidence in the public service. His Chief Press Secretary, Ahmed Idris, said the latest approval reflects the government’s commitment to clearing arrears and addressing the backlog of entitlements.
“The initiative reinforces the governor’s promise to restore dignity to retirees and support families who lost breadwinners while in service,” he said.
Observers note that timely payment of entitlements can ease financial pressures for beneficiaries, particularly in meeting healthcare, educational, and small business needs, while also boosting morale in the public service and strengthening labour relations amid ongoing state bureaucracy reforms.