The Gombe State Executive Council (SEC), led by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, has approved over N10 billion for the payment of outstanding gratuities to retired civil servants in the state and local governments. This decision was made during the 56th meeting of the State Executive Council held at the Executive Council Chambers of the Government House. The approval includes N2.18 billion and N4.06 billion to clear outstanding gratuities for state retirees for 2024 and 2025 respectively.
The Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Muhammad Gambo Magaji, disclosed that the Inuwa Yahaya-led administration has prioritized the settlement of inherited gratuity liabilities since its inception. With the latest approval, the administration has cleared all outstanding gratuity liabilities at the state level, bringing the total amount paid since the inception of the administration to over N36.5 billion. This move aims to ensure that retirees receive their entitlements.
The Council also approved the sum of N4.08 billion to clear outstanding gratuity liabilities for retirees at the local government level. The periods covered vary according to the financial capacity and outstanding liabilities of each local government. Akko Local Government will pay outstanding gratuities for 2019, while other local governments have different coverage periods.
In addition to gratuity payments, the Executive Council approved the 2026 Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) counterpart matching fund. The Commissioner for Education, Prof Aishatu Umar Maigari, disclosed that N6.1 billion was approved as the state’s 50 per cent counterpart commitment, qualifying Gombe to participate among 16 states positioned to benefit from the HOPE-EDU programme.
The Council also approved memoranda for the execution of road projects, including a N1.6 billion variation for the Gadam-Yame-Yari road project and the 4.3-kilometre Kembu-Kidda-Panda road spur from Nasarawo to Kuri, awarded at N2.04 billion. These projects aim to improve infrastructure in the state.
Furthermore, the Commissioner for Housing and Urban Development, Muhammad Saidu Fawu, disclosed that N2.1 billion was approved for the expansion of Nayi-Nawa School at Buhari Estate. The facility will be extended into the present Gombe Club premises. Additionally, the installation of 563 solar streetlights in Nasarawo, Yelenguruza and Commercial Area communities, and 522 solar streetlights in Bolari, was approved.
The Council also approved the handing over of the Kaltungo Snake Bite Treatment and Research Hospital to the Federal Government for conversion to the recently approved National Snake Bite and Medical Centre in Kaltungo. A statewide free surgical and medical outreach targeting less-privileged residents across communities in the 11 local government areas of the state was also approved. Gombe State is among the beneficiaries of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s approval for the establishment of new military formations.
Key points
- The Gombe State Executive Council approved over N10 billion for gratuities and various infrastructure projects.
- The administration has cleared all outstanding gratuity liabilities at the state level, bringing the total amount paid to over N36.5 billion.
- The state will benefit from the HOPE-EDU programme, which aims to improve learning outcomes and strengthen basic education.
