Oyebanji pays N14.6bn gratuities for Ekiti pensioners
…as Nasarawa approves N5bn for pensioners
Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has disbursed a total sum of N14.6 billion for the State’s pensioners as gratuities, covering three years of gratuity outstanding.
The governor stated this on Monday when he disbursed a sum of N2 billion to 800 pensioners to defray backlog of gratuity arrears, saying “wiping out tears from the faces of the citizens brings him great joy as a leader.”
The governor noted that the N2 billion disbursed formed part of N14.6 billion so far expended on gratuity, adding that a staggering amount of N25 billion had been also been paid as pensions to the elder statesmen in three years.
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Governor Oyebanji spoke in Ado Ekiti, while presenting cheques to a new set of 800 pensioners who bowed out of the service in 2015 and 2016 respectively.
Addressing the beneficiaries, the governor, who was represented by Monisade Afuye, his deputy, was ecstatic that his government had fulfilled all righteousness, by keeping to his promise during electioneering to make elders happier in line with his vision.
Having a retrospect of the good dealings he had dispensed to the retirees, Oyebanji revealed that his government in 2024 paid out a sum of N1.3 billion gratuity arrears, saying he then promised to upscale the amount, which now reflected in the N2 billion disbursement .
Oyebanji maintained that as at September 2025, there were 10,106 retirees on the State Pensioners’ Payroll, whose pensions are being paid regularly and timely. He said part of efforts to enhance the welfare include the approval of N20 million upward review of monthly pension across board for all categories of pensioners.
Responding, Kolapo Olatunde, Chairmen of the Nigerian Labour Congress and Omotola Farotimi, Chairman, Trade Union of Congress and Oluwafemi Ajoloko, Chairman og the Joint Negotiating Council, saluted Oyebanji for changing the sordid narrative of the past, by palliating the sufferings of the retirees through prompt payment of all entitlements.
Similarly, the Nasarawa State Government has approved the release of N5 billion to clear outstanding gratuities being by owed by the State Government to the pensioners across the State. The initiative aims to address long-standing pension liabilities and improve the welfare of retired civil servants.
Musa Ahmed Mohammed, the State Accountant-General, made the announcement during a news briefing held on Monday in Lafia, disclosing that N1.5 billion had already been disbursed to the State Pensions Bureau for the immediate payment of gratuities to State Government pensioners, dating back to 2012.
Mohammed also revealed that over N3 billion would soon be released to settle the entitlements of Local Government pensioners. He noted that the payment would be made in phases, ensuring that both State and Local Government’s pensioners benefit from the approved funds.
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He emphasised the Administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare and dignity of senior citizens, acknowledging their contributions to the development of the State and the Country. He assured the pensioners that the disbursement would begin without delay.
