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Teachers and local government workers in Edo State who retired in 2012, on Monday began receiving their long-awaited gratuities, following the disbursement of N1 billion recently approved by Governor Monday Okpebholo.
The exercise, which according to the government, also captured some pensioners who retired between 2009 and 2011, saw many aged and frail beneficiaries break down in tears as they collected their cheques after years of delay.
Findings revealed that, in addition to those officially scheduled, some retirees from 2013 who are critically ill were also paid on compassionate grounds.
Presenting the cheques, Chairman of the Local Government Staff Pension Bureau, Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, said the state government had demonstrated firm commitment to offsetting outstanding gratuities and alleviating the plight of retirees.
Adjoto disclosed that Governor Okpebholo had already pledged to release another N1 billion to facilitate payment for those who retired in 2013, noting that the current disbursement was part of a deliberate effort to clear accumulated arrears.
According to him, “The Governor considers it unfortunate that gratuities were allowed to pile up over the years. He has assured that once this tranche is completed, another N1 billion will be released. This will be a continuous exercise.
“We discovered that some retirees between 2009 and 2011 had not been paid. We brought them into the process and cleared the backlog. Before the end of this week, another N1 billion will be released.”
He added that the administration was determined to reposition Edo State as a model in prompt pension administration across the country.
“The Governor is serious about gratuity payments. He is not comfortable with the backlog. This government is willing and determined to ensure that every retiree gets his or her due. I appeal for patience as the process continues,” Adjoto said.
He, however, warned pensioners against falling victim to fraudulent practices, stressing that the collection of gratuities is free of charge.
“It is criminal to pay money to collect your cheque. Do not give anyone money to influence your payment. There is no percentage to be paid. Anyone who demands even one per cent should be reported to the Pension Bureau,” he cautioned.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Samuel Okhuelegbe, commended the state government for the intervention and urged sustained support to fully address the welfare of pensioners in the state.
