BENIN CITY, Nigeria – Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has authorized the payment of long-overdue gratuities to retired civil servants, some dating back to 2012, in a move aimed at addressing the plight of pensioners in the state.
According to a statement released on Monday, the state government has begun disbursing ₦1 billion as the initial phase of payments, fulfilling a commitment to clear the gratuity backlog inherited from previous administrations.
“For over a decade, many of our retirees have suffered due to the non-payment of their gratuities. This administration is putting an end to that hardship,” the statement read.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of retired workers who dedicated their careers to the service of Edo State.
“I have approved the release of ₦1 billion for the first phase of payments, and we will not rest until all outstanding entitlements are cleared,” he said.
He assured that the disbursement process would be transparent, fair, and phased, utilizing a structured verification system to ensure that all eligible retirees receive their payments.
“We recognize the sacrifices made by our retirees, and it is unacceptable that they have had to wait this long for what is rightfully theirs. Our administration will not only clear these arrears but will also put measures in place to ensure such delays do not happen in the future.”
Governor Okpebholo emphasized that this initiative is just the beginning and that no pensioner will be left behind as his government works to clear all outstanding gratuities in phases.
“We are determined to ensure that those who served Edo State diligently are treated with the respect and care they deserve,” he concluded
