Gombe: We’ve cleared N25.6bn gratuity backlog of state, LG retirees

Gombe State Government says in the last six years, it has paid over N25 billion in gratuities to both state and local government retirees across the 11 Local Government Areas of the state. Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya said during the official flag-off of the disbursement of another tranche of backlog gratuity payments to retired local […]

Gombe State Government says in the last six years, it has paid over N25 billion in gratuities to both state and local government retirees across the 11 Local Government Areas of the state.

Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya said during the official flag-off of the disbursement of another tranche of backlog gratuity payments to retired local government workers in the state.

Speaking at the ceremony held at the Gombe Government House, Governor Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to clearing all outstanding entitlements owed over 10 years to retirees, both at the state and local government levels.

Governor Yahaya disclosed that since assuming office in 2019, his administration has so far paid over N25 billion in gratuities to both state and local government retirees across the 11 LGA’s.

He noted that the latest tranche represents the fulfilment of the government’s obligation to the civil servants (both retired and active) who dedicated their productive years in service to Gombe State.

“We have so far disbursed N23.566 billion in gratuity payments over the past six years. With today’s additional payment of NGN2,060,337,466.45, we have achieved a historic cumulative payment of N25.626 billion in gratuity payments from 2019 to date,” he said.

“When we assumed office in 2019, we inherited over N21 billion in gratuity backlogs; a sordid legacy of unmet obligations that weighed heavily on our retired civil servants. Our Local governments unable to pay salaries or meet their basic obligations. Between 2013 and 2019, the previous administration routinely borrowed funds in order to pay monthly salaries.

“With these efforts, I would like to reiterate our firm commitment to achieving zero gratuity liability by 2027 through sustained quarterly payments, innovative public financial management strategies and prudent fiscal planning.”

Yahaya further disclosed that the disbursement will be made based on an equitable payment model where each local government will pay according to its financial capacity.

“with Kwami, Nafada and Funakaye settling for their 2023 retirees; Akko, Billiri and Shongom for 2016 and 2017 retirees; Dukku for 2016 retirees; Balanga for 2015 and 2016 retirees; Gombe and Kaltungo for 2014 and 2015 retirees; and Yamaltu Deba for 2015 retirees.”

Earlier, the state Auditor-General and Chairman of the Committee on Payment of Gratuities, Muhammad Buba Gombe, called on the beneficiaries of the gratuity payments to utilise the funds judiciously to support their post-retirement livelihood and contribute meaningfully to the society.