Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has announced plans to start paying off the state’s pension arrears, which have been outstanding since 2001. The total verified arrears amount to over N60 billion, covering more than 20 years.
Key Points:
– Payment Plan: The government will begin gradual payment of verified gratuity and pension arrears.
– Verification Process: A joint committee with the Nigerian Union of Pensioners has completed an audit of outstanding liabilities.
– Priority on Welfare: Governor Otti emphasizes that workers’ salaries are up to date, and staff welfare remains a top priority.
– Other Initiatives: The state has issued 30,562 Certificates of Occupancy in two and a half years, improved power supply, and upgraded infrastructure.
Governor Otti assures pensioners that their gratuities will be paid gradually, stating, “Government is continuous, and whatever you are handed over, you deal with it. If it is assets, if it is liabilities, you pick all of them. We are unafraid to work out a solution”.
