Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, has approved the release of N1 billion for the payment of outstanding gratuities owed to retired civil servants since 2012, signaling a major step toward addressing a decade-long backlog inherited from previous administrations.
In a statement issued on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor said the move marks the first phase of disbursements aimed at alleviating the hardship faced by pensioners who have long awaited their entitlements.
“For over a decade, many of our retirees have suffered due to the non-payment of their gratuities. This administration is putting an end to that hardship,” the statement read.
Governor Okpebholo emphasized his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of retired public servants, acknowledging their years of dedicated service to the state.
“I have approved the release of N1 billion for the first phase of payments, and we will not rest until all outstanding entitlements are cleared,” he said. “We recognise the sacrifices made by our retirees, and it is unacceptable that they have had to wait this long for what is rightfully theirs.”
The governor reaffirmed that the payments will be made in phases, following a structured verification process to ensure transparency and fairness in the disbursement.
“Our administration will not only clear these arrears but will also put measures in place to ensure such delays do not happen in the future,” he added.
Pensioners and civil society groups across the state have welcomed the decision, describing it as a long-overdue gesture that brings hope and dignity back to many elderly citizens.
Governor Okpebholo concluded with a strong assurance: “This is just the beginning. We will not abandon our pensioners. We are determined to ensure that those who served Edo State diligently are treated with the respect and care they deserve.”
The state government has urged pensioners to participate in the ongoing verification exercise to facilitate the seamless processing of payments.
