The Bauchi State government has started paying outstanding gratuity to retired civil servants from 2012 to 2016. Governor Bala Mohammed announced the commencement of the exercise, which will be implemented progressively based on the chronology of outstanding obligations, completeness of supporting records, validation and reconciliation processes, as well as the resources approved for each phase. A total of N10bn has been committed towards addressing the accumulated gratuity obligations owed to retirees.
According to Governor Mohammed, the validated historical records showed that the total outstanding obligations for the period amounted to N11.71bn, comprising liabilities owed to state and local government retirees. The state component involves 3,570 beneficiaries with obligations amounting to N6.13bn, while the local government component covers 2,262 beneficiaries with outstanding obligations of N5.58bn. The governor explained that the payment would be made until all eligible retirees had received their entitlements.
The governor noted that many retired workers had waited for more than a decade to receive their gratuity, describing the backlog as one of the most challenging issues inherited by his administration. He acknowledged the plight of senior citizens, saying that it is a systemic injustice when, after finishing years of service, they are unable to receive their hard-earned entitlement. The governor also expressed sadness that some colleagues had lost their lives without tasting the fruit of their labour.
To ensure transparency, speed, and fairness in the disbursement, Governor Mohammed directed the relevant committee and officials overseeing the exercise to prioritize senior citizens and treat them with dignity. He urged beneficiaries to provide the necessary documentation, cooperate with the verification process, and use the payments prudently to support themselves and their families. The governor also established the Bauchi State Contributory Pension Scheme to strengthen the management of pension-related matters.
The Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Abubakar Sulaiman, commended Governor Bala Mohammed for responding to the resolutions of the House and demonstrating political will towards addressing the longstanding liability. Sulaiman said the House had unanimously approved the release of funds for the payment of the outstanding gratuity, adding that the exercise was expected to commence with about 1,700 retirees across the state.
Sulaiman assured retirees that the House would continue to provide legislative support and oversight to ensure that the welfare and legitimate entitlements of workers and pensioners received adequate attention. He said gratuity was an entitlement earned through years of dedicated service and should not be regarded as a favour to retired workers. The Speaker commended the governor for taking concrete legislative action by approving the request of the government to secure the necessary financing for the settlement of outstanding gratuity.
The payment of gratuity is not merely a financial intervention but a demonstration of the government’s commitment to addressing inherited obligations and improving the welfare of retirees. With the commencement of the exercise, retirees in Bauchi State can now look forward to receiving their entitlements, which will go a long way in improving their living standards. The government’s effort to address the backlog of gratuity payments is a welcome development for retirees in the state.
Key points
- The Bauchi State government has committed N10bn towards addressing the accumulated gratuity obligations owed to retirees from 2012 to 2016.
- A total of 3,570 state and 2,262 local government retirees are expected to benefit from the gratuity payment exercise.
- The payment will be implemented progressively based on the chronology of outstanding obligations, completeness of supporting records, validation and reconciliation processes, as well as the resources approved for each phase.
