Yobe State Governor, Mai Mala Buni, has approved the release of ₦7.9 billion for the payment of outstanding gratuities owed to state and local government retirees, bringing relief to thousands of pensioners across the state.
According to a statement from the Yobe State Ministry of Finance, the governor approved ₦5.8 billion for the settlement of arrears owed to state public officers, while an additional ₦2.1 billion was earmarked for local government retirees, covering the period from January 2020 to May 2025.
The approvals were conveyed to the Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Mohammed Abatcha, and the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Jajere, respectively, for immediate disbursement.
Governor Buni also directed that the payment of gratuities be integrated into the state’s monthly financial schedule, ensuring that future payments are made alongside regular pension disbursements to prevent the recurrence of backlogs.
“This demonstrates Governor Buni’s compassionate leadership and his administration’s deep appreciation for the years of service rendered by our retirees,” said Finance Commissioner Abatcha.
He added that the Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Head of Service are working closely to ensure a seamless and transparent disbursement of funds to all affected beneficiaries.
On his part, the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Jajere, lauded the initiative as a reflection of the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and a deliberate step to uphold the dignity of retired civil servants.
“This approval reflects the administration’s dedication to ensuring that those who have served Yobe State faithfully receive their entitlements promptly,” Jajere stated.
Both commissioners described the initiative as a bold and strategic financial measure, aligning with the governor’s broader economic and social agenda to strengthen fiscal responsibility and prioritize the welfare of citizens — especially retirees who contributed immensely to the state’s growth and development.
They assured full compliance and transparency in the disbursement process to achieve the government’s objective of timely and fair payment of benefits.
