The government of Abia State has commenced phased payment of verified pension and gratuity arrears owed to retirees since 2001.
Governor Alex Otti announced the move during his regular media chat at Government House in Umuahia, revealing that the backlog, accrued over more than two decades, had been audited in collaboration with the national chapter of Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP).
He stated that the verified outstanding gratuity and pension liabilities exceed ₦60 billion, and pledged that payments would commence gradually to ensure fairness and accountability.
In addition to clearing the gratuity backlog, Governor Otti reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to maintaining timely payment of monthly salaries and pensions for serving and retired staff alike, and to improving overall workers’ welfare.
The announcement was welcomed by pensioners, many of whom have waited years for relief from financial hardship caused by unpaid entitlements. Analysts say this step could restore confidence among civil servants and retirees in the state.
