Gombe approves ₦6.56 billion to pay retirees’ gratuities from 2021 to 2023 in phases.
Governor Yahaya’s move aims to ease hardship, restore trust, and clear pension debts since 2014.
The Gombe State Government has approved N6.563 billion for the payment of outstanding gratuities owed to retirees for the years 2021, 2022, and 2023, marking a significant step in Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya’s efforts to clear inherited pension debts.
The announcement was made on Wednesday by Ismaila Uba Misilli, the Director-General of Press Affairs to the Governor, following the 48th State Executive Council (SEC) meeting held in Gombe and presided over by Governor Yahaya.
Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development Muhammad Magaji outlined the phased disbursement plan. According to him, N1.954 billion will be paid to 2021 retirees in October, followed by N2.267 billion for 2022 retirees in November and N2.342 billion for those who retired in 2023 by December.
This development is part of the state’s broader financial recovery strategy. When Governor Yahaya assumed office in 2019, he inherited a backlog of over N21 billion in unpaid gratuity arrears dating back to 2014. The administration has since cleared gratuities from 2014 through 2020, having already settled over N17 billion of the total amount owed.
“The sustained effort reflects the administration’s commitment to social justice, accountability, and respect for labour,” Mr. Magaji said, adding that the phased payments would significantly ease the financial burden on retirees and reaffirm public trust in the government.
The latest funding approval is expected to lead to the full settlement of outstanding gratuities, helping pensioners overcome years of hardship and financial uncertainty. Many retirees in the state had struggled with delayed entitlements, a challenge that had strained household incomes and public confidence.
In a related development, the SEC also approved N299 million to settle terminal benefits for former staff of the now-defunct Gombe State Investment and Property Development Company. This decision finalizes the transition of the company, whose assets and responsibilities have been transferred to other government bodies like the Gombe State Investment Promotion Agency and the Gombe Housing Authority.
According to Magaji, this move ensures a respectful and structured closure for the affected employees and reinforces ongoing institutional reforms aimed at improving governance and fiscal efficiency.
Governor Yahaya emphasized that the welfare of both current and retired workers remains a key priority of his administration, adding that the government will continue to implement policies that promote economic justice and institutional integrity.
