The Akwa Ibom State Government has paid more than N90 billion out of N111 billion in inherited gratuity liabilities owed to retired public servants in the state.
The Head of Civil Service, Mrs Elsie Peters, disclosed this while giving an update on the state government’s efforts to settle outstanding obligations to retirees.
Peters said the payments formed part of measures by the administration to address inherited liabilities and improve the welfare of retired civil servants.
According to her, the government inherited gratuity obligations estimated at N111 billion when the current administration assumed office. More than N90 billion has now been paid to beneficiaries, leaving about N21 billion outstanding.
The development represents significant progress in the state’s efforts to clear accumulated gratuity obligations owed to former public servants.
Gratuity payments are made to eligible workers upon retirement or completion of their service, depending on the applicable conditions of service. Delays in settling such obligations have historically affected retirees who depend on their retirement benefits for their livelihood.
Peters said the government remained committed to ensuring that outstanding liabilities were progressively cleared.
The Head of Civil Service also highlighted the administration’s broader focus on improving the welfare and working conditions of public servants, including retirees.
The payment of the outstanding gratuities is expected to provide financial relief to retirees who have waited for extended periods to receive their entitlements.
The state government’s efforts come amid growing attention to the welfare of pensioners and retired workers across Nigeria, with several state governments facing accumulated pension and gratuity liabilities.
For Akwa Ibom, the reduction of the inherited gratuity debt from N111 billion to about N21 billion means the government has cleared more than 80 per cent of the liability.
The government is expected to continue its payment programme until the remaining obligations to eligible retired public servants are settled.
The disclosure by Peters provides an indication of the progress made in addressing the financial commitments inherited by the administration and its efforts to improve the welfare of workers who have completed their years of service to the state.
