Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has announced a N10.32 billion gratuity payment programme covering 6,665 retirees from the state and its local government councils.
At the launch, Yahaya said N6.24 billion would go to 2,354 state retirees, while N4.08 billion would settle outstanding benefits for 4,311 former local government employees. The administration put its cumulative gratuity payments since 2019 at N44.134 billion, including liabilities inherited when it assumed office.
The governor said the latest exercise would clear state government gratuity obligations through December 2025, with payments for those retiring from January 2026 expected to begin in 2027. He also outlined options for making future payments more predictable, including a contributory pension arrangement or direct funding through state revenue.
Yahaya highlighted minimum wage implementation, public service reforms, recruitment of teachers and health workers and investments in government facilities as other elements of his administration’s labour policy. Representatives of labour and pensioners’ organisations welcomed the payments, while beneficiaries said the money would ease longstanding financial pressures.
