The Abia Pensioners' Forum has expressed concerns over the alleged delays and short payments of entitlements by the Abia State government. Despite the recent commencement of payment of gratuities to retired workers who served between 2001 and 2010, many pensioners have not received their full entitlements. According to the Forum, over half of the pensioners in the batch have not been paid, while those who received payments got less than their full entitlement, with some recording shortfalls of over N100,000.
The Abia Pensioners' Forum has called on the state government to publish the names and amounts already paid to 2001-2010 gratuities beneficiaries. The Forum's Coordinator, Okey Kanu, and Secretary, Emma Onyenyiri, signed a statement on September 21, 2026, expressing appreciation to Governor Alex Otti for initiating the payment process. However, they raised concerns over the slow pace of payments and the functionality of the desk office established to receive complaints from pensioners.
The pensioners' forum questioned statements attributed to the Commissioner for Information, suggesting that disbursement would be gradual and in tranches. They asked whether the N10 billion earmarked for the 2001-2010 batch was insufficient. The Forum warned against any plan to stretch the gratuity payment to 2031, citing concerns that staggered payments create uncertainty, erode value, and could mean many pensioners may not live to receive their benefits.
The Abia Pensioners' Forum referenced Governor Otti's 2018 open letter to former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, where he lamented the deaths of pensioners due to unpaid benefits. The Forum noted that improved federal allocations following fuel subsidy removal should enable the government to pay pensioners promptly. They cited Anambra State's example, which paid N32 billion in retirement benefits in 2007.
The pensioners' forum urged Governor Otti to show empathy and pay up promptly, quoting religious books and verses previously cited by the governor in his 2018 letter. They emphasized the need for the government to prioritize pensioners' welfare, given the state's improved financial situation. The Forum also expressed concern over the functionality of the desk office established to receive complaints from pensioners.
The Abia State government's payment of gratuities to retired workers who served between 2001 and 2010 was expected to bring relief to pensioners. However, the pensioners' forum alleged that the government's efforts have been inadequate, with many pensioners yet to receive their entitlements. The Forum's demands for transparency and prompt payment are aimed at ensuring that pensioners receive their rightful benefits.
The Abia Pensioners' Forum's concerns over the delayed and short payments of entitlements reflect a broader challenge in ensuring that pensioners receive their benefits promptly. With improved federal allocations, the state government has the resources to address pensioners' welfare. The Forum's call for publication of gratuity payment beneficiaries and amounts paid is a step towards transparency and accountability in the payment process.
Key points
- The Abia Pensioners' Forum demands publication of gratuity payment beneficiaries and amounts paid to ensure transparency.
- Many pensioners have not received their full entitlements, with some recording shortfalls of over N100,000.
- The Forum warns against stretching gratuity payments to 2031, citing concerns over uncertainty and erosion of value.
