Katsina Government Clears N12bn Gratuity Backlog — NULGE

The Katsina State Government has cleared a gratuity backlog of over N12 billion, easing years of hardship faced by retired local government workers in the State.

The State President of National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Nasir Wada Maiadua, disclosed this during an exclusive interview with LEADERSHIP in his office.

He described the development as a major relief for pensioners and families of deceased workers across the state, adding that the settlement of the backlog represented one of the most significant achievements of the current administration in the area of workers’ welfare.

“Katsina is essentially a workers’ state where almost 90 per cent of the people depend on salaries, pensions and gratuity. Clearing this huge backlog is a major milestone,” he said.

According to him, the government has already settled nearly 90 per cent of outstanding gratuity liabilities, covering both life and death gratuities, while arrangements were underway to commence another phase of payments amounting to about ₦21 billion.

He explained that the payment exercise was expected to further reduce the burden on retirees who had waited for years to receive their entitlements.

Maiadua also commended the state government for the consistent payment of salaries, noting that workers at the state, local government and primary education levels now receive their salaries regularly between the 24th and 25th of every month.

“Promotion is another area where this government has performed well. Promotions are implemented as and when due, without unnecessary delays,” he added.

The NULGE president attributed the progress recorded in gratuity payments and workers’ welfare to the cordial relationship between labour unions and the state government, stressing that dialogue rather than confrontation has helped resolve many long-standing issues.

He further praised the administration for granting financial autonomy to local governments, saying the move has improved service delivery and developmental projects at the grassroots.

“Local governments are now active. Offices are busy, workers are committed, and projects are visible. You can see happiness among the grassroots people, especially the downtrodden,” Maiadua said.

On opposition criticism of the government, he described it as part of the democratic process, noting that opposition parties are expected to challenge those in power.

Maiadua expressed support for the governor’s possible second-term ambition, saying continuity would help consolidate gains already recorded in workers’ welfare, healthcare and primary education.

He urged local government workers to remain dedicated to their duties and called for continued cooperation between labour and government to sustain the progress made so far.