Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has approved the release of ₦1.6 billion for the payment of outstanding gratuities owed retired civil servants since 2012.
The governor announced the gesture on Friday in Lafia during a meeting with leaders of organised labour and representatives of pensioners, noting that his administration remained committed to the welfare of both serving and retired workers.
According to him, the backlog had lingered for more than a decade, leaving many retirees and their families in hardship. He said the newly released funds would specifically cover gratuities for those who retired in 2012, with plans underway to address subsequent years in phases.
“This administration values the sacrifices of our workers. Clearing these gratuities is not a favour but a duty we owe those who dedicated their lives to public service. We will continue to prioritise the welfare of retirees as resources permit,” Sule stated.
Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in the state, Comrade Yusuf Iya, commended the governor for the intervention, describing it as a relief to many families that had suffered due to unpaid entitlements.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Mr. Musa Oboshi, expressed gratitude to the state government, urging sustained commitment until all arrears are fully cleared.
The state government further assured that transparent processes would be followed in disbursing the gratuities to ensure that only verified beneficiaries are paid.
Observers say the move could ease tension between government and labour unions in the state while boosting morale among the workforce.
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