Abia State government says it has commenced the full payment of gratuity to all verified pensioners of local and state governments who retired between 2001 and 2010.
Breaking the cheering news while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s executive council meeting, the Commissioner for Information Prince Okey Kanu disclosed that a review of records from the State Pensions Board and Local Government Pensions Board, by the committee on payment of gratuity revealed that the total outstanding gratuity liability is sixty one billion, eight million naira (#61.8) covering both state and local government retirees.
According to the commissioner, the payment of gratuity would be done in batches based on the recommendation of the committee on payment of gratuity.
He stated that the committee also pointed out that payment of gratuity in the successive administrations in the State, particularly those of governors T.A .Orji and Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, only affected less than 0.01% of retirees who left the service between 2011 and May 2023.
Prince Kanu further made public that the committee also recommended that the Total Annual Financial Impact 2026-2031 be duly provided in the state’s medium-term expenditure framework and subsequent yearly budgets to ensure steady implementation and to avoid further accumulation of gratuity arrears.
To ensure that all challenges that would emanate from the payment are resolved quickly the commissioner said the government has established a helpline, the Abia State Citizens Contact Center and , urged such retirees with issues to call 0800-000-0232 or send in their complaints through the email address contactcenter@Abiastate.gov.ng
He assured that the people-focused administration of Dr Alex Otti will continue to cater for the interests of Abia retirees and serving workers.
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