JUST IN: Relief for Edo Retirees as Okpebholo Releases Fresh ₦1bn to Clear Gratuity Backlog
By OGB Joseph, Abuja
BENIN CITY – Hundreds of retired Local Government and Primary School workers in Edo State are set to benefit from a fresh round of gratuity payments following the approval and release of an additional ₦1 billion by the state government to continue the settlement of outstanding retirement benefits.
Chairman of the and the Local Government Staff Pension Bureau, , announced the development during the continuation of gratuity payments to retirees.
Adjoto said the intervention, approved by **>, underscores the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of retired workers who dedicated years of service to the state.
According to him, the latest release follows the successful commencement of gratuity payments to retirees in the 2012 batch earlier this year and will enable the Local Government Staff Pension Bureau to complete payments to the remaining beneficiaries in that batch while extending the exercise to subsequent beneficiaries.
He noted that the fresh funding reflects the government’s determination to gradually eliminate the backlog of gratuities that has accumulated over the years.
“His Excellency has graciously approved and released an additional ₦1 billion to sustain the exercise. This intervention will enable the Pension Bureau to continue the payment process, covering the remaining beneficiaries in the 2012 batch and beyond,” Adjoto said.
The commission chairman acknowledged that significant liabilities still remain but assured retirees that the government would continue to release funds to address the outstanding gratuities as resources become available.
He commended Governor Okpebholo for what he described as his “Rescue Mission” and commitment to pensioners’ welfare under the SHINE Agenda, saying the administration had demonstrated genuine concern for retired workers through sustained interventions.
Adjoto also praised pensioners for their patience, understanding and confidence in the government despite years of waiting, while applauding the management and staff of the Local Government Staff Pension Bureau, the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and other stakeholders for ensuring the successful implementation of the payment exercise.
He reaffirmed the commission’s commitment to maintaining a transparent, orderly and equitable gratuity payment process and assured retirees whose benefits remain outstanding that the government has not lost sight of its obligations.
The latest ₦1 billion intervention is expected to provide relief to many retired Local Government and Primary School employees as the Edo State Government intensifies efforts to clear long-standing gratuity arrears.
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