Buni Clears Five-Year Debt, Approves ₦7.9bn For Yobe Retirees’ Gratuities

According to Ireporter Online, Yobe State Governor Mai Mala Buni has approved the release of ₦7.9 billion for the payment of five years’ outstanding gratuities owed to state and local government retirees.

This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director-General of Press and Media Affairs to the Governor, Mamman Mohammed, in Abuja on Thursday.

Mohammed noted that Governor Buni had on Monday granted approval for ₦5.8 billion to be disbursed to the Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Mohammed Abatcha, for the settlement of gratuities owed to retired state public officers.

In addition, the governor sanctioned ₦2.1 billion to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Jajere, to clear outstanding gratuities of retired local government employees covering the period from January 2020 to May 2025.

Governor Buni also directed that gratuity payments be permanently integrated into the state’s monthly financial schedule. He emphasized that all cleared gratuities would henceforth be paid alongside regular pension payments to prevent future accumulation of arrears.

The governor’s directive marks a significant financial intervention aimed at restoring dignity and providing long-overdue relief to retirees who have served the state diligently.

According to Abatcha, the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Head of Service are working closely to ensure a transparent and seamless disbursement process for all affected beneficiaries.

On his part, Jajere commended the governor’s decision, describing it as a demonstration of the administration’s unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare and its resolve to prioritize retirees’ entitlements.

Both commissioners lauded the initiative as a bold and strategic financial measure that aligns with the administration’s broader vision of fiscal responsibility and social welfare for the people of Yobe State, especially those who contributed to its growth and development.

They further assured that the payment process would be carried out with utmost transparency and efficiency to ensure that all retirees receive their benefits without delay.