Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, has approved the release of an additional N2 billion for the payment of gratuities to retired workers, a move that workers and pensioners say reflects a significant improvement in welfare administration after years of neglect.
The latest disbursement covers gratuities owed to state retirees from 2017 and local government pensioners from 2014.
Represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, Oyebanjisaid retirees deserved support and recognition for their contributions to the development of the state.
According to the administration, a total of N19 billion has been paid in gratuities since 2022, while N65.3 billion has been disbursed as monthly pensions to settle arrears and ensure prompt payments.
The governor also disclosed that the minimum monthly pension has increased from N1,000 to N20,000 following the consequential adjustment arising from the implementation of the N70,000 minimum wage.
“When I came on board, I promised to prioritise your welfare. As of today, the government has consistently reduced the backlog of gratuities.
“A total sum of N7.3 billion has been paid to local government pensioners, while N11.7 billion has been paid to state pensioners, bringing the total gratuity payments to N19 billion.
“Since inception, monthly pensions have been paid regularly without delay. We do not owe any arrears. We have paid N31.7 billion to local government pensioners and N33.6 billion to state pensioners, bringing total monthly pension payments to N65.3 billion.
“I know that if we return, I will do better for you. I am not going to betray you. On election day, come out and vote for us to realise this second-term ambition, so that all these incentives you are enjoying can continue.
“Previously, some pensioners received only N1,000 monthly. However, this administration implemented the consequential adjustment arising from the N70,000 minimum wage. Today, the least-paid pensioner receives N20,000 monthly. Between May 2024 and November 2024, a total of N1.3 billion was spent on palliatives for pensioners to cushion economic hardship.”
Labour leaders also commended the reforms. Nigeria LabourCongress (NLC) Chairman, Kolapo Olatunde, and Trade Union Congress (TUC) Chairman, Omotola Farotimi, said prompt payment of salaries, gratuities, and pensions had improved the welfare and health of workers and retirees.
“Gone are the days when retirees moved around with medications to stabilise their blood pressure because pensions and gratuities were unpaid. Today, Governor Oyebanji is responding swiftly to these obligations.
“Salaries, gratuities, and pensions are now paid as and when due. What we need is massive support for him on June 20. Let us stand firmly behind him. He has earned it and deserves it.”
For workers still in active service, the government said it has committed N2.16 billion to the Contributory Pension Scheme for about 16,000 employees across ministries, departments, and agencies.
Retirees present at the event pledged their support for the administration, saying regular pension and gratuity payments had restored hope and dignity to life after service.
