Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has approved and commenced the disbursement of ₦8.2 billion to offset part of the backlog of gratuities owed to retirees in both the state and local government service.
The governor made the announcement on Tuesday at the Government House, Gombe, during the official presentation of cheques to beneficiaries. He explained that the payment would benefit a total of 3,204 retirees across the state.
According to Yahaya, ₦6.6 billion was allocated to 2,142 retirees from the state civil service, while ₦1.6 billion was earmarked for 1,062 retirees from local government areas.
“Today, we are disbursing a further ₦8.2 billion in gratuity arrears to state and local government retirees,” the governor said. “This comprises ₦6.6 billion for 2,142 retirees of the State Government, and ₦1.6 billion for 1,062 retirees from our Local Government Areas, making a total of 3,204 retirees.”
He explained that the payments were structured in line with the financial capacity of each tier of government, noting that the state gratuities covered retirees for 2021, 2022, and 2023. Local government payments, he added, would be released according to a phased schedule: Funakaye, Kwami, and Nafada for 2024 retirees; Akko, Billiri, and Shongom for 2018 retirees; Dukku and Balanga for 2017 retirees; and Gombe, Kaltungo, and Yamaltu-Deba for 2016 retirees.
With this latest intervention, the governor revealed that total gratuity payments made since his administration came into office in 2019 have reached ₦33.826 billion — the highest in Gombe State’s history.
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“In the entire history of Gombe State, no administration has demonstrated a comparable commitment to the welfare of our retirees who have served with hard work and dedication,” Yahaya stated.
He attributed the achievement to prudent financial management and transparency in governance, stressing that the welfare of retirees remains a core priority of his administration.
“The payment of these obligations is a testament to our disciplined financial management and prudent utilisation of resources,” he said. “For us, this is a matter of principle and sacred trust. We are determined to ensure that every retiree lives a life of dignity after a lifetime of service.”
Governor Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining the prompt settlement of entitlements, assuring that no retiree who served the state diligently would be left to suffer due to unpaid gratuities or other benefits.