Gombe Begins N10.32bn Gratuity Payments to 6,665 Retirees
Segun Awofadeji in Gombe Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has commenced the payment of N10.32 billion in gratuities to 6,665 state and local government retirees, in a major intervention
Gombe State Governor, Alhaji Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has initiated the distribution of N10.32 billion in gratuities to 6,665 state and local government retirees. This payment marks a significant step in clearing outstanding retirement liabilities, bringing the total gratuity payments made by Yahaya's administration since 2019 to N44.134 billion.
Governor Yahaya described the event as a moment of justice, honour and joy for those who dedicated their working lives to the service of Gombe State. His administration inherited N21 billion in outstanding gratuity liabilities in 2019, inherited from obligations dating back to 2012 for local government retirees and 2014 for state retirees. Despite budget constraints due to the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recessions, and other shocks, the administration remained committed to settling these debts.
The latest disbursement saw N6.24 billion allocated for state retirees, covering the final two years of outstanding gratuities for 2024 and 2025. N4.08 billion was allocated for local government retirees, settling obligations in 11 councils. Beneficiaries include 2,354 state retirees and 4,311 local government retirees, totaling 6,665 recipients.
Governor Yahaya emphasized that this payment brings the state's total gratuity payments since 2019 to a historic N44.134 billion, effectively settling all state government gratuity obligations by December 2025. He pledged to leave office without any gratuity backlog and expressed confidence in establishing a sustainable mechanism for future obligations, including a contributory pension arrangement.
Beyond gratuity payments, the administration has implemented reforms such as the new minimum wage, pension and salary systems, infrastructure investments, and public service reforms. Governor Yahaya also announced plans for a new secretariat for the Gombe State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress.
The Commissioner for Finance, Malam Muhammadu Gambo Magaji, noted that this gratuity clearance is part of the broader commitment to fiscal responsibility and sound financial management. The State Chairmen of various labor unions commended the governor for his sustained attention to workers' welfare and pledged their continued support.
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