Tone State Governor Mai Mala Buni has approved the release of ₦7.9 billion for payment of outstanding gratuity owed to state and local government retirees in the state.
Governor Buni had, four days ago, conveyed the approval of N5.8 billion to the state commissioner for finance, Alhaji Mohammed Abatcha, for payment of gratuity to retired state public officers.
Similarly, the governor approved and directed the state commissioner for local government and chieftaincy affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Jajere, for payment of ₦2.1 billion of outstanding gratuities owed to retired local government workers covering the period from January 2020 to May 2025.
Buni further directed that, henceforth, the payment of gratuities should be integrated into the state’s monthly financial schedule, indicating that all cleared payments will be made monthly, alongside the regular pension payments, to avoid accumulation of a backlog of retirement benefits.
“This demonstrates Governor Buni’s compassionate leadership and his administration’s deep appreciation for the years of service rendered by the retirees,” the finance commissioner said.
The clearance of the substantial backlog and institutionalisation of the prompt monthly payment system has provided the much-needed financial relief and restoration of dignity in labour to all retirees.
“The Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Head of Service are working in collaboration to ensure a seamless and transparent disbursement of these funds to all affected retirees immediately,” Abatcha added.
According to the commissioner of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Jajere, “This approval reflects the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and its resolve to ensure that retirees who have served the state faithfully receive their entitlements promptly.”
The two commissioners described the initiative as a bold financial step towards a broader economic and social agenda to ensure fiscal responsibility and priority to the welfare of Yobe State citizens, particularly those who have contributed immensely to its growth and development.
They assured prompt compliance with a high degree of transparency to achieve the government’s objective of paying the retirees their entitlements as directed by the governor.
