The Delta government has approved the disbursement of N10 billion to settle pension arrears from past administrations.

The commissioner for works (rural roads) and public information, Charles Aniagwu, who briefed journalists, said the approval was part of the decisions reached at the State Executive Council meeting held at Government House, Asaba, on Thursday.

He said the meeting was presided over by the Deputy Governor, Sir Monday Onyeme, adding that Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was on an official engagement outside Delta.

Mr Aniagwu was flanked by the economic planning commissioner, Sonny Ekedayen, the housing commissioner, Godknows Angele, and the chief press secretary to the governor, Festus Ahon. He said the council deliberated on several life-impacting memos cutting across social investment, infrastructure, and governance reforms.

According to Mr Aniagwu, the N10 billion disbursement is in fulfillment of the governor’s promise to ease the hardship of pensioners and to defray inherited pension liabilities.

“At today’s meeting, we approved the disbursement of.N10 billion to begin the process of defraying pension arrears,” Mr Aniagwu said. “A committee has been set up to ensure the funds get to deserving beneficiaries without bias or interference.”

He said the move was part of the administration’s broader commitment to improving the welfare of citizens under the M.O.R.E. Agenda and making life more livable for senior citizens who had served the state diligently.

The commissioner also said that the council reviewed timelines for key infrastructure projects, including two major flyovers in Agbor (Uromi Junction) and Ughelli (Otovwodo Junction), being handled by Julius Berger Nigeria Plc.

According to him, the affected projects include the Igbodo Junction–Ubulu–Uku to Ogwashi-Uku Road, which will be re-examined and re-awarded to a competent contractor in line with the governor’s resolve to open up communities across the 25 local government areas.

(NAN)