AKURE, NIGERIA — The Ondo State Government has commenced the payment of N3.82 billion in gratuities to 985 retirees from the 2015 to 2020 batches, marking a significant step in Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s commitment to clearing all inherited arrears owed to retired civil servants in the state.
The payment, which was flagged off at a ceremony in Akure on Wednesday, covers retirees from the state’s civil service and local government councils. The beneficiaries are drawn from pensioners who retired from 2015 to 2018 and 2020 batches. Each retiree is expected to receive a payment based on the calculated gratuity owed, with the total sum of N3,824,606,065.75 disbursed to the 985 beneficiaries. The breakdown of the payment includes N1.65 billion to 388 state retirees from the 2015 to 2018 batches, while N2.17 billion was paid to 597 local government retirees from the 2015 and 2020 batches.
The flag-off event, held at the International Culture and Event Centre in Akure, was attended by representatives of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and other labour unions, who commended the government’s commitment to addressing the welfare of retirees. Governor Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by the Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip, reiterated his administration’s resolve to ensure that all pending gratuity payments are cleared and that no retiree is left behind.
Speaking at the event, the governor said the payment was a demonstration of his administration’s commitment to the welfare of pensioners and retired civil servants. “We understand the sacrifices you made during your active service to this state. It is our duty to ensure that you are not neglected in your retirement. This payment is a token of our appreciation and our commitment to making life easier for you,” he stated.
The governor also assured that the state government would continue to prioritise the payment of gratuities and pensions, despite the economic challenges facing the nation. He noted that his administration had already set aside funds to clear the backlog of gratuity payments and that the process would continue in phases until all arrears were cleared.
The Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Omotunde Akinleye, who provided the breakdown of the payment, said the N3.82 billion was disbursed from the state’s consolidated revenue fund, adding that the government had made provisions for the payment of gratuities in the 2026 budget. “This is a clear indication that Governor Aiyedatiwa’s administration is committed to the welfare of pensioners and retirees in the state,” Akinleye said.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ondo State Chapter, Comrade Yemi Akinola, expressed appreciation for the government’s gesture, describing it as “a breath of fresh air” for pensioners who have waited for years to receive their gratuities. He also called on the government to sustain the momentum and ensure that all outstanding payments are cleared as promised.
The disbursement also included an N843 million payment to the families of deceased retirees. The head of service noted that the government had adopted a “first-in, first-out” formula in processing the payments, targeting the oldest liabilities under the previous administration. He disclosed that a total of N33 billion in gratuity arrears was inherited by Aiyedatiwa from previous administrations, and the latest payment brings the total cleared under the governor to over N9 billion since he assumed office. The NUP Chairman commended the governor for his “practical and strategic” approach to settling the state’s liabilities.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic presentation of cheques to some of the retirees, who expressed their gratitude for the payment. For many, the long wait is finally over. As one retiree, Mr. Akinwumi Ogunleye, put it: “It has been a long journey, but today, I can smile. I thank the governor for remembering us. This money will go a long way in helping me and my family.” As the state continues its phased payment plan, the message is clear: the Aiyedatiwa administration is committed to clearing the state’s liabilities and restoring the dignity of its retired workers.
