GOMBE GOVERNOR ACCELERATES GRATUITY PAYMENTS TO BOOST RETIREE WELFARE

Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya has inaugurated a ₦2.06 billion gratuity disbursement to 1,000 retired local government workers, signaling a decisive step toward settling past obligations. With total gratuities paid since 2019 now surpassing ₦25.6 billion, the payment affirms the administration’s pledge to eliminate outstanding retiree benefits by 2027.
Governor Yahaya recounted inheriting unpaid gratuities exceeding ₦21 billion, which he says eroded public service morale. By implementing regular disbursements and leveraging prudent public finance strategies, he plans to close the remaining gap within two years.
Auditor-General and Gratuity Committee head Muhammad Buba praised the governor’s consistency and urged beneficiaries to use the funds prudently. One retiree described the payout as a “lifeline”—an overdue compensation finally delivered after years of uncertainty and hardship. The move has been widely welcomed by public servants and civil society groups across the state.