Obaseki Clears 28 Years Council Pension Gratuity Backlog

The governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has fulfilled his promise to clear the 28-year backlog of gratuity owed to pensioners in the state’s local government councils. The governor approved over N1.5 billion to settle the outstanding gratuity of 1,559 pensioners who retired between 1979 and 2008.

The Head of Local Government Administration (HOLGA) and Permanent Secretary, Local Government Staff Pension Board, Mrs. Osas-Ehigie Sandra, announced the governor’s approval in a statement on Sunday. She said that a screening exercise will be conducted for the affected pensioners at the Local Government Staff Pensions Board premises, King Square, Benin City, from October 16 to 20, 2023.

She urged all confirmed pensioners to physically present themselves at the venue with their pension identity card, biometrics slip, and pay advice between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. daily. She also thanked the governor for his compassion and commitment to the welfare of the senior citizens in the state.

The governor’s approval of the payment of the 28-year council pension gratuity backlog is a remarkable achievement that has brought relief and joy to thousands of pensioners and their families in the state. The governor had earlier cleared the backlog of pension arrears owed to state government pensioners since 1996.

The governor has also implemented several reforms and initiatives to improve the efficiency and transparency of the pension administration system in the state. Some of these include the establishment of a contributory pension scheme, biometric verification of pensioners, automation of pension payment processes, and regular payment of monthly pensions.

The governor’s efforts have earned him commendation and appreciation from various stakeholders, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Edo State Chapter, which described him as a “pensioner-friendly governor” who has restored dignity and hope to retired workers in the state.