Kogi State Governor Usman Ododo has approved a monthly release of N50 million for the payment of gratuities to local government pensioners, easing years of accumulated arrears.
Announced at a thanksgiving event, the initiative also includes a N10,000 pension increase, signaling the administration’s commitment to uplift retirees and restore dignity to grassroots public servants.
In a significant move to improve the welfare of retired workers at the grassroots level, Kogi State Governor, Alhaji Usman Ododo, has approved the release of N50 million every month specifically for the payment of gratuities to local government pensioners. This development marks a new chapter in the administration’s effort to honor the service and contributions of retirees who have dedicated their careers to public service in various local government areas across the state.
The announcement was made public by the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, during a thanksgiving ceremony held in Kabba on Sunday. The event was organized in honor of the former Speaker of the Kogi State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mathew Kolawole, and took place at the Christ Apostolic Church, Ona Igbala.
Dr. Ayoade, while addressing the congregation, revealed that Governor Ododo’s approval of the monthly N50 million gratuity fund is designed to systematically reduce the backlog of unpaid retirement benefits owed to local government pensioners. According to her, the implementation of this policy will ensure that retired workers from the grassroots can now receive lump-sum payments ranging from a minimum of N100,000 to as much as N500,000, depending on their entitlements and years of service.
“This is a major breakthrough in pension administration at the local government level in our state,” Dr. Ayoade stated. “With this monthly release of N50 million, Governor Ododo has demonstrated his commitment to improving the lives of those who served diligently and retired from public service. Many retirees have waited years for their gratuities, and this initiative will bring significant relief.”
She also announced that the governor has approved an increment of N10,000 to the monthly pension payments for all retirees under the state’s local government payroll. This increase is aimed at cushioning the economic pressures being faced by pensioners, particularly in light of rising living costs and inflationary trends affecting essential goods and services across Nigeria.
“This increment is in addition to the consistent monthly payment of pensions, which this administration is committed to maintaining without fail,” the SSG added. “Governor Ododo believes that those who have given their productive years to the service of Kogi State deserve to be treated with dignity and care in retirement.”
The announcement has been met with widespread commendation from various stakeholders, including retirees, labor leaders, and civil society groups. Many see it as a bold and humane move by the Ododo-led administration to prioritize the well-being of pensioners who often face neglect after their years of service.
It is expected that with consistent implementation, the policy will gradually eliminate pension arrears and restore hope to thousands of retired local government workers who have waited years for their gratuities.
Governor Ododo’s initiative stands as a fulfillment of his campaign promise to revamp the state’s pension administration and ensure that both serving and retired workers are given the respect, recognition, and financial support they rightfully deserve. The government’s renewed focus on pensioners signals a shift toward social accountability and inclusive governance that reaches all corners of Kogi State.
