Michael Olugbode in Abuja
Borno State Governor Allocates N5.81 Billion for Pension Settlements
Borno State Governor, Prof. Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the disbursement of N5.81 billion to address substantial outstanding gratuities owed to retired civil servants and the families of deceased workers. This initiative represents one of the largest pension settlement efforts in the state and aims to alleviate the difficulties faced by former civil servants.
Significant Check Presentation to Organized Labor
During a recent event at Government House in Maiduguri, the governor presented a check amounting to N5,814,830,271.94 to representatives of organized labor and the Nigeria Pensioners Union. This gesture underscores his administration’s dedication to meeting its welfare obligations toward workers.
Allocation Breakdown for Gratuities
Of the total funds released, N2.99 billion will be allocated to settle outstanding gratuities for the families of deceased civil servants, while N2.82 billion is designated for the retirement gratuities of individuals who retired up to December 2022. This includes unpaid entitlements for employees of the Borno State Housing Corporation dating back to 2013.
Governor Zulum’s Commitment to Welfare
Governor Zulum emphasized that this intervention fulfills a key election promise and aims to provide relief to families grappling with years of economic hardship. He noted, “A significant number of public servants have lost their lives, and their families are still confronting life’s challenges. We will allocate about N3 billion to these families to ensure they can live with peace and dignity.”
Comprehensive Measures for Retirees
With these latest payments, all civil servants who retired by the end of 2022 will receive their full gratuity. The government will also begin processing payments for civil servants who retire in 2023. This ongoing effort adds to several initiatives implemented by the Zulum administration to address pension debts. Currently, the state allocates N200 million monthly for gratuity payments. In 2025, the government earmarked N8 billion for pensioners’ rights and teachers’ emoluments, while N12 billion was distributed in 2020 to cover benefits for approximately 5,000 retired state and local government employees.
Government’s Focus on Employee Welfare
Treasurer Lawan Dalolima remarked that these payments further illustrate the government’s commitment to honoring the contributions of public servants throughout their careers. He highlighted that, despite various fiscal pressures, the welfare of citizens, particularly retirees, remains a priority.
Labor Movement’s Positive Reception
The organized labor movement has welcomed these developments. Mamman Bukar, vice president of the Nigeria Labor Congress, described the payments as timely, emphasizing that they would alleviate financial burdens faced by pensioners and families of deceased workers. He believes these initiatives will bolster workers’ confidence in the government’s commitment to its obligations.
Plans to Enhance Local Government Employee Welfare
Governor Zulum also assured local officials that his administration is developing strategies to enhance their welfare. He acknowledged the various challenges local government employees face but noted that the scale of the workforce limits the scope of potential welfare reforms. The state government plans to convene with local civil service leaders soon to identify practical solutions to these issues. “The Borno State Government is acutely aware of the challenges confronting local public servants and we are eager to collaborate in addressing these concerns,” he stated.
