Appeal Court Orders Kogi Gov’t To Pay Ex-Deputy Gov Achuba N1bn Salary, Allowances

The Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal has reaffirmed its earlier judgment directing the Kogi State Government to pay a former deputy governor of the state, Simon Achuba, the sum of ₦1.07 billion in outstanding salaries and allowances.

The Court presided over by Justice Okon Abang, stressed that the court remained the final authority on labour-related matters.

Achuba, who was impeached in 2019 had approached the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), seeking payment of his unpaid salaries, travel allowances, and other entitlements.

The NICN ruled in Achuba’s favour on November 4, 2020.

However, despite the ruling being upheld by the Court of Appeal on April 29, 2024, the Kogi State government failed to comply.

On April 25, 2025, the court quantified Achuba’s entitlements at ₦1,070,860,138 but rather than paying, the government filed for a stay of execution and sought permission to approach the Supreme Court.

In dismissing the application, Justice Abang condemned the state government’s actions, describing it as reckless and contrary to the rule of law.