Gov Alia assures clearance of outstanding pensions, gratuities in January

From: Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

Benue State Governor, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has assured pensioners in the state that he will clear their outstanding pensions and gratuities accrued within the last two and a half years before the end of January 2026.

The governor gave the assurance on Sunday, during the  interdenominational church service held to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in Makurdi.

He said his administration has treated the welfare of civil servants with utmost seriousness, stressing that salaries, pensions and gratuities have been paid consistently since he assumed office.

“We’ve been paying gratuities because I have  taken the welfare of my staff and all civil servants very seriously. In the last two and a half years, I have never missed the payment of salaries and pensions, including gratuities,” he said.

He explained that while priority was initially given to clearing approved arrears, deliberate steps are now being taken to ensure that all retirees within the period of his administration receive their entitlements.

“For those within the last two and a half years who have not received their gratuities, they will receive them in a matter of days. All gratuities within this period will be paid,” he assured.

He noted that payment of other outstanding pension and salary arrears would continue based on available financial inflows, adding that his government is determined to maintain a healthy financial flow while meeting its obligations to workers.

“I have no reason not to pay civil servants. They work for the state, and this is the only livelihood they know. That is why we do this very deliberately and diligently”.