The Ondo State Government has commenced the disbursement of N3.2 billion to settle outstanding gratuities owed to pensioners.
This payment initiative, launched on Friday in Akure, aims to clear the backlog of gratuities for retirees under the State Pension Scheme.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, speaking at the event, announced that the N3.2 billion would be allocated to cover the gratuities of different retiree groups.
He explained that N1 billion would be directed towards settling the gratuities of local government retirees from 2012 and 2013, while N2.2 billion would be allocated to state pensioners who retired in 2015.
“Our approach to gratuity payments is designed to address the significant arrears, which have caused many retirees to lose hope.
Through this bulk payment strategy, we assure all retirees that the backlog will be cleared sooner rather than later,” Aiyedatiwa said.
Despite financial challenges, the governor emphasized that the state remains committed to fulfilling its obligations. “We view this as a responsibility, even with the numerous other financial demands on the government and limited resources,” he added.
Aiyedatiwa also promised that the government would continue to prioritize essential infrastructure for the people of Ondo State.
“As our finances improve, we will make additional efforts to gradually eliminate the arrears from subsequent years, by God’s grace.
I appeal to retirees who have yet to receive their payments to remain patient, as they too will be taken care of in due course,” the governor assured.
Ondo State’s Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Amidu Takuro, expressed gratitude to the governor for his commitment to settling the outstanding gratuities, acknowledging the difficulties retirees face.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in the state, Mr. Johnson Osunyemi, praised Governor Aiyedatiwa for his efforts to address the pensioners’ needs.
One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Adedayo Ajayi, also extended his appreciation, thanking the governor for fulfilling the long-awaited gratuity payments.
