The Gombe State Government has started paying N10.32bn in gratuities to 6,665 state and local government retirees. This payment is part of the government's efforts to clear its gratuity backlog. Governor Inuwa Yahaya made this announcement on October 8, 2026, during the official commencement of the sixth tranche of gratuity payments. The governor stated that N6.24bn was approved for state government retirees covering 2024 and 2025, while N4.08bn was released to support local governments.
According to Governor Yahaya, the payment will benefit 2,354 state government retirees and 4,311 local government retirees across the state. He mentioned that his administration inherited a N21bn gratuity backlog when it assumed office in 2019. This backlog covered local government retirees from 2012 to 2019 and state retirees from 2014 to 2019. The governor emphasized that his administration recognizes the welfare of retirees as a right, not a privilege.
Governor Yahaya stated that despite facing challenges such as the COVID-19 pandemic, economic recessions, and fuel subsidy removal, his administration had paid N33.283bn in gratuities before the latest disbursement. The latest payment brings the cumulative gratuity payments made by his administration since 2019 to N44.134bn. The governor said this payment has settled all state government gratuity obligations up to December 2025.
The governor also announced plans to prevent future accumulation of gratuity arrears. He mentioned that his administration is working on a sustainable mechanism, including a possible contributory pension arrangement or deductions from the Consolidated Revenue Fund. Additionally, Governor Yahaya announced the payment of N299m in gratuities to former staff of the Gombe Investment and Property Development Company.
Governor Yahaya's administration has also implemented the new minimum wage for state and local government workers, as well as CONMESS and CONHESS for doctors, nurses, and other health professionals. The governor stated that salaries and pensions have been paid promptly throughout his tenure, including during periods of economic recession. He attributed the delay in large-scale recruitment to the need to clear inherited gratuity obligations.
Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Muhammadu Magaji, described the commencement of the payment as a new chapter in the administration of pensions and gratuities in the state. Magaji commended the governor for efforts to strengthen the state's fiscal management and promote transparency and accountability. He urged the beneficiaries to appreciate the government's commitment to settling the inherited obligations.
The payment of N10.32bn gratuities to 6,665 retirees in Gombe State is a significant step towards clearing the state's gratuity backlog. Governor Yahaya's administration has made substantial progress in settling its gratuity obligations, and the latest payment is a testament to its commitment to the welfare of retirees. The governor appealed to retirees, civil servants, and organised labour to reciprocate the government's support through renewed commitment to the development of the state.
Key points
- - Gombe state government starts paying N10.32bn gratuities to 6,665 retirees - The payment covers state and local government retirees, settling obligations up to December 2025 - The governor's administration has paid a total of N44.134bn in gratuities since 2019
