The Ondo State Government has initiated the payment of ₦3.2 billion in outstanding gratuity to pensioners. This payment is intended to clear the total gratuity owed to retirees under the State Pension Scheme from 2015.
Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa announced the disbursement on Friday in Akure, stating that ₦1 billion of the amount would cover the gratuity for local government retirees from 2012 and 2013, while ₦2.2 billion would address the 2015 gratuity for state pensioners.
Aiyedatiwa emphasized that the payment was part of a strategic approach to resolve the backlog of arrears, which had caused significant distress among retirees. He assured that the administration is committed to gradually clearing the remaining backlog as finances improve.
The Governor highlighted that despite other financial commitments, addressing the gratuity arrears remains a priority. He appealed for patience from retirees who are still awaiting their payments.
Amidu Takuro, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, and Johnson Osunyemi, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in the state, both expressed their appreciation for the governor’s efforts. Beneficiaries, including Adedayo Ajayi, also extended their gratitude for the resolution of the long-standing issue.