Zulum releases N5.81bn to clear gratuity backlog for retirees, deceased workers

…Pledges improved welfare for LG employees 

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has presented cheques worth N5.81 billion to pay outstanding gratuities to retired civil servants and the families of deceased workers.

Zulum presented the cheques on Friday in Maiduguri, with the leadership of the organised labour and the Nigerian Union of Pensioners in attendance as part of efforts to improve the welfare of retired workers and the families of deceased civil servants.

Some of his administration’s commitments to the settlement of workers’ entitlements, including the monthly release of N200 million for gratuity payment, the release of N8 billion for pensioners’ entitlements and teachers’ gratuities in 2025, and N12 billion was also disbursed in 2020 for the payment of about 5,000 retired state and local government civil servants, among other interventions.

The governor explained that the first cheque, amounting to N2,992,301,964.95, would settle all outstanding gratuities owed to the families of deceased civil servants to date. In contrast, the second cheque of N2,822,528,306.99 would cover gratuities for pensioners up to December 2022, as well as outstanding payments to staff of the Borno State Housing Corporation from 2013 to date.

“In fulfilment of our campaign promises, this afternoon, as the Honourable Commissioner of Finance has said it, we are presenting a cheque of about N5,814,830,271.94 to deceased and retired civil servants,” Governor Zulum said.

“We have quite several civil servants who have lost their lives, and their families are still battling with life’s challenges. We are presenting about three billion naira to the families of deceased civil servants so they can continue to live in peace and dignity. Apart from this, civil servants who retired in 2022 will now receive their gratuities in full, after which we shall move to those who retired in 2023,” he added.

Lawan Umar Dalorima, the Commissioner for Finance, commended Governor Zulum for his unwavering commitment to the welfare of workers and retirees.

Dalorima said the payment reflects the administration’s determination to honour those who devoted their productive years to serving Borno State.

“This is another demonstration of your compassionate and people-centred leadership, where the welfare of citizens remains a top priority despite competing priorities.”

Responding on behalf of organised labour, the Vice Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mamman Bukar, expressed appreciation to Governor Zulum for settling the outstanding gratuities, describing the gesture as timely and impactful.

He said the payment would significantly ease the hardship faced by pensioners and the families of deceased civil servants while boosting confidence in the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

Zulum Pledges Improved Welfare for Local Gov’t Employees

Governor Babagana Umara Zulum has assured local government employees of his administration’s commitment to addressing the challenges affecting their welfare, promising that the state government will soon engage with their representatives to find lasting solutions.

The governor gave the assurance during the presentation of cheques for the outstanding gratuity payments to retirees and deceased civil servants at the Government House.

“Borno State Government is very much aware of some of the problems facing local government employees. Very soon, we shall engage with you and see how we can address your challenges,” Zulum said.

Governor Zulum explained that one of the major constraints facing the local government system is the large workforce on its payroll, which has limited the government’s ability to introduce far-reaching welfare reforms.