The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has assured senior citizens in the state that he will clear their outstanding pensions and gratuities accrued within the last two and a half years.
He assured that this will be done before the end of January 2026.
The governor gave the assurance today while speaking with journalists after the interdenominational church service held to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in Makurdi.
He said his administration has treated the welfare of civil servants with utmost seriousness, stressing that salaries, pensions and gratuities have been paid consistently since he assumed office.
“We’ve been paying gratuities because I’ve 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,” he said.
He explained that while priority was initially given to clearing approved arrears, deliberate steps are now being taken to ensure that all retirees within the period of his administration receive their 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,” he assured.
He noted that payment of other outstanding pension and salary arrears would continue based on available financial inflows, adding that his government is determined to maintain a healthy financial flow 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”.
On the ongoing national strike by resident doctors, the Governor urged dialogue and negotiation, describing conflict resolution as the best path to resolving labour disputes.
He acknowledged that there may be genuine reasons for the agitation, including outstanding commitments by previous administrations, which he said must be honoured, as government is a continuum.
The governor expressed confidence that resident doctors in Benue State would not have joined the strike but for its nationwide nature, noting that the disruption of medical services poses grave risks to families and communities.
“When you lose one person in the state, it is one too many. It haunts you,” he said, appealing to striking doctors to reflect on the humanitarian consequences of the action.
Describing medical practice as a special vocation, Governor Alia commended resident doctors and other health workers for their dedication and sacrifices, while calling for a reconsideration of the strike in the interest of saving lives.
He expressed optimism that the impasse would soon be resolved, disclosing that the Federal Government is working round the clock to address the issues raised.
Sir Tersoo Kula, mnipr
Chief Press Secretary to the Governor.
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