Governor Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has pledged to clear all outstanding pensions and gratuities owed to retired civil servants between 2023 and 2025 before the end of January 2026, saying the move is aimed at easing retirees’ financial burdens and restoring confidence in the state’s welfare system.
The governor made the pledge in a statement issued on Sunday in Makurdi by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kula, in which he said the payments would be completed within days as part of his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
According to the statement, Gov. Alia said his administration has consistently paid salaries, pensions, and gratuities since he assumed office, stressing that the well-being of civil servants remains a top priority.
“We’ve been paying gratuities because I have taken the welfare of my staff and all civil servants very seriously. In the last two and a half years, I have never missed the payment of salaries and pensions, including gratuities,” the governor said.
He explained that while his administration initially focused on clearing previously approved arrears, it is now taking deliberate steps to ensure that all retirees within the period of his government receive their full entitlements.
“For those within the last two and a half years who have not received their gratuities, they will receive them in a matter of days. All gratuities within this period will be paid,” Gov. Alia assured.
The governor added that other outstanding pension and salary arrears would continue to be settled as funds become available, noting that his administration remains committed to maintaining financial stability while meeting its obligations to workers.
“I have no reason not to pay civil servants. They work for the state, and this is the only livelihood they know. That is why we do this very deliberately and diligently,” he said.
Commenting on the ongoing nationwide strike by resident doctors, Gov. Alia called for dialogue and negotiation, describing peaceful engagement as the most effective means of resolving labour disputes. He acknowledged that there may be genuine reasons for the doctors’ agitation, including unpaid commitments inherited from previous administrations, which he said must be honoured because government is a continuum.
The governor expressed concern over the impact of the strike on healthcare delivery in Benue State, warning that the disruption of medical services posed serious risks to families and communities. He said resident doctors in the state might not have joined the strike if not for its nationwide character.
“When you lose one person in the state, it is one too many. It haunts you,” Gov. Alia said, appealing to the striking doctors to consider the humanitarian consequences of their action.
Describing medical practice as a special calling, the governor commended resident doctors and other health workers for their sacrifices and dedication, urging them to reconsider the strike in the interest of saving lives. He also expressed optimism that the dispute would soon be resolved, adding that the Federal Government was working round the clock to address the issues raised.
