Gov Yahaya Releases N8.2bn To Clear Gratuity Arrears

Gombe State governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has released the sum of N8.2 billion for the payment of gratuity arrears to 3,204 retirees from both state and local government services.

Speaking during the official presentation of cheques at the Government House, Gombe, yesterday, Governor Yahaya described the gesture as another major step toward fulfilling his pledge to achieve zero gratuity liability before leaving office in 2027.

According to the governor, the latest disbursement comprises N6.6 billion for 2,142 state government retirees covering the years 2021 to 2023, and N1.6 billion for 1,062 local government retirees from different years ranging from 2016 to 2024.

He explained that payments were structured according to the financial capacity of each local government, ensuring fairness and sustainability.

“With today’s disbursement, our cumulative gratuity payment has reached a historic N33.826 billion since 2019. In the entire history of Gombe State, no administration has demonstrated comparable commitment to the welfare of our retirees who have served our state with hard work and dedication,” the governor stated.

Governor Yahaya noted that the payments reflected his administration’s disciplined financial management and prudent use of resources, emphasising that ensuring retirees live in dignity after years of service is a matter of principle and moral responsibility. “It is my firm belief that no one who has faithfully served Gombe State should be left to suffer due to non-payment of their rightful entitlements,” he added.

The governor commended retirees for their patience and contributions to the state’s development, describing them as the foundation upon which the present administration continued to build.

He also appreciated labour unions, traditional rulers, and community leaders for their partnership and understanding. Yahaya reaffirmed his government’s resolve to promote the welfare of citizens through responsible governance, pledging continued efforts to ensure all outstanding gratuity liabilities are cleared before the end of his tenure.

Interacting with LEADERSHIP, Mohammed Hassan Kwami, the chairman Pensioners Commission in the state, thanked the governor for the gesture, maintaining that it would make a great impact on the livelihood of the retirees who suffered decades of neglect.