Gov. Buni Puts a Smile on the Faces of Retirees, Approves N7.9 Billion to Clear State and Local Gov't Gratuities

Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobr state,has approved the release of ₦7.9 billion for the payment of outstanding gratuities owed to State and Local Government retirees in the state.

Recently ,Governor Buni approved N5.8 billion and directed the State Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Mohammed Abatcha,to disburse it for payment of gratuities to retired State public officers.

Similarly, the governor approved ₦2.1 billion for the payment of outstanding gratuities owed to retired Local Government workers, covering the period from January 2020 to May 2023. He has directed the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Jajere,to facilitate the payments.

Governor Buni further directed that, henceforth, the payment of gratuities should be integrated into the state’s monthly financial schedule,stating that all cleared payments will be made monthly, alongside regular pension payments, to avoid the accumulation of a backlog of retirement benefits.

"The Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Head of Service are working together to ensure a seamless and transparent disbursement of these funds to all affected retirees immediately," Abatcha added.

"The clearance of the substantial backlog and the establishment of a prompt monthly payment system will provide much-needed financial relief and restore the dignity of labour for all retirees," he said.

According to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Jajere, "This approval reflects the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and its resolve to ensure that retirees who have served the state faithfully receive their entitlements promptly."

The two commissioners described the initiative as a bold financial step towards a broader economic and social agenda aimed at ensuring fiscal responsibility and prioritizing the welfare of Yobe State citizens, particularly those who have contributed immensely to its growth and development.

They assured of their prompt compliance with a high degree of transparency to achieve the government's objective of paying the retirees their entitlements as directed by the governor.