Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Yahaya, has reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to settling gratuity liabilities for state retirees.
Yahaya disclosed that ₦17.2 billion out of the ₦21 billion inherited from earlier administrations have been cleared.
Talking on Monday on the presentation of cheques and cost of backlog of gratuities to state retirees, Yahaya disclosed that his administration was dedicated to staff’ welfare.
“Once we assumed workplace in 2019, we inherited a backlog of gratuities amounting to over ₦21 billion from earlier administrations.
“Recognising the load of this duty, our administration has made vital strides towards assuaging this burden,” Yahaya mentioned.
He famous that regardless of the numerous progress made, the burden of gratuity obligations continues to extend as civil servants exit the service.
He additionally revealed that the excellent gratuity obligations now stand at ₦19 billion for each state and native authorities retirees.
“At the moment’s occasion demonstrates our resolve to go away no liabilities behind. I’m happy to reaffirm that it’s our solemn dedication to clear all gratuity obligations earlier than the tip of our tenure in 2027.
“By doing so, we intention to go away a legacy of accountability and compassion, thus guaranteeing no retiree is left with out the advantages they so rightly deserve,” Yahaya mentioned.
Yahaya additionally highlighted his administration’s efforts to reinforce the welfare of civil servants, together with the latest implementation of the N70,000 minimal wage for state authorities staff.
He said, “This daring step displays our dedication to protect our civil servants from the cruel realities of financial challenges, significantly within the aftermath of gas subsidy removing.”
The governor recommended labour unions, retiree associations, and different stakeholders for his or her cooperation and constructive dialogue all through the method.
“I commend the labour unions, retiree associations, and different stakeholders for his or her endurance, cooperation, and constructive dialogue all through this course of.
“Your assist has been instrumental in guiding our reforms and guaranteeing the welfare of civil servants stays a high precedence for our administration,” he added.