Gombe Approves N6.5bn to Clear Gratuity Backlog for Retirees

In a decisive step to fulfil its obligations to retired civil servants and improve workers’ welfare, the Gombe State Government has approved the release of N6.563 billion for the settlement of gratuity arrears owed to retirees for 2021, 2022, and 2023.

The approval was granted during the 48th State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, with the announcement made by Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Gambo Magaji, following the session.

Magaji outlined that the payments would be executed in three phases:

• N1.954 billion for 2021 retirees in October,

• N2.267 billion for 2022 retirees in November,

• and N2.342 billion for 2023 retirees in December.

He emphasized that this payment plan aligns with Governor Yahaya’s continued commitment to clearing the N21 billion gratuity debt inherited from the previous administration in 2019. According to the commissioner, payments for the years 2014 to 2020 have already been completed.

“Since 2019, this administration has paid over N17 billion in gratuity arrears. This latest allocation will settle the remaining balance, closing a longstanding chapter of pension debt,” Magaji stated.

He highlighted the government’s consistent prioritisation of pensioners’ welfare as a demonstration of its dedication to social justice and good governance, noting that the effort has helped ease the financial burdens of retirees and strengthened public confidence in government.

In a related development, the council also approved over N299 million for entitlements owed to former staff of the defunct Gombe State Investment and Property Development Company.

According to Magaji, this payout “marks a responsible and dignified conclusion” to the operations of the now-liquidated firm. The assets and responsibilities of the company have since been redistributed to various government agencies, including the Gombe State Investment Promotion Agency, Gombe Optimisation Company Limited, and the Gombe Housing Authority.

He added that the transition is part of a broader institutional reform agenda aimed at boosting administrative efficiency, enhancing transparency, and strengthening Gombe’s investment climate.

With these approvals, the Yahaya-led administration is nearing the full resolution of inherited liabilities while also paving the way for a more transparent, efficient public service framework.