Governor Mai Mala Buni has approved ₦7.9 billion for the payment of outstanding gratuities to the state and local governments’ retirees.

This was announced in a statement by Mr Buni’s director-general of press and media affairs, Mamman Mohammed, in Damaturu on Thursday.

He said the governor had conveyed his approval on Sunday to the state commissioner of finance, Mohammed Abatcha, for the payment of N5.8 billion to the state pensioners.

Similarly, Mr Mohammed said Mr Buni also approved the payment of N2.1 billion to local governments’ retirees, covering the period of January 2020 to May 2025.

Mr Mohammed said Mr Buni also directed that, henceforth, payment of gratuities be integrated into the state’s monthly financial schedule.

“This indicates that all cleared payments will be made monthly, alongside the regular pension payments, to avoid the accumulation of a backlog of retirement benefits,” the aide said.

Mr Mohammed said the approvals demonstrated Mr Buni’s compassionate leadership and his administration’s deep appreciation for the years of service rendered by retirees.

“The clearance of the substantial backlog and institutionalisation of the prompt monthly payment system have provided the much-needed financial relief and restoration of dignity in labour to all retirees.

“The Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Head of Service are working in collaboration to ensure a seamless and transparent disbursement of these funds to all affected retirees immediately,” Mr Abatcha said.

He said the commissioner for local governments and chieftaincy affairs, Ibrahim Jajere, also noted that the approval reflected the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

The aide said both commissioners had promised to ensure transparency in the payment process as directed by the governor.

(NAN)