Governor Mai Mala Buni of Yobe State has approved the release of ₦7.9 billion for the payment of outstanding gratuities owed to retirees from both state and local governments.
The approval, announced on Thursday in Damaturu, is aimed at clearing backlogs and ensuring the prompt and regular payment of gratuities henceforth.
According to a statement by the Director-General of Press and Media Affairs to the governor, Alhaji Mamman Mohammed, the approval was conveyed to the Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Mohammed Abatcha, on Sunday.
Of the total amount, ₦5.8 billion was earmarked for state pensioners, while ₦2.1 billion was allocated to local government retirees, covering the period from January 2020 to May 2025.
Mohammed said the governor also directed that gratuity payments be incorporated into the state’s monthly financial schedule.
“This means that all cleared payments will now be made monthly, alongside regular pension payments, to avoid the accumulation of future arrears,” he explained.
He noted that the decision reflected Governor Buni’s compassionate leadership and appreciation for the years of dedicated service rendered by retirees.
“The clearance of the backlog and the institutionalisation of prompt monthly payments have provided much-needed financial relief and restored dignity in labour,” Mohammed said.
The Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Mohammed Abatcha, assured that the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Head of Service were working together to ensure a transparent and seamless disbursement of funds to all beneficiaries.
Similarly, the Commissioner for Local Governments and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Jajere, described the governor’s approval as another demonstration of his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare. He pledged transparency and accountability in the payment process, in line with the governor’s directive.
