Abia: Retiring civil servants plead for quick payment of benefits

Retiring civil servants in Abia State are urging the government to expedite the payment of their benefits upon exiting service. They expressed their concerns in reaction to a directive issued by the Abia State Head of Service, Mr. Benson Ojeikere. The directive, announced on October 12, 2026, mandated all permanent secretaries, heads of non-ministerial departments, and heads of parastatals to direct retiring workers to take three months of pre-retirement leave.

The workers, who are aged 60, have spent 35 years in service, or have eight years in service as directors, were directed to take the leave immediately. However, some civil servants spoke out against the directive, alleging that the Head of Service was accusing them of evading retirement. One worker, who identified himself as Kalu, emphasized that the government should ensure prompt payment of gratuities within six months after retirement to support his family and maintain his lifestyle after leaving office.

Kalu praised Governor Alex Otti for his continuous payment of pensions to retired workers, but expressed frustration over the lack of a seamless mechanism for immediate payment of retirement benefits. He stated, "I am afraid about the payment of my retirement benefits. I still have some of my children in secondary school, and I would be glad if I get my gratuity immediately after retirement so I can take care of them and open a business to sustain my family."