Gov. Buni approves N7.9bn to clear five years of gratuity backlog for Yobe retirees

By Muhammad Maitela, Damaturu

Yobe State Governor, Hon. Mai Mala Buni, has given the green light for the release of N7.9 billion to clear a backlog of gratuities that have been owed to state and local government retirees for the past five years.
According to a statement from the Governor’s Director-General of Press and Media Affairs, Mamman Mohammed, N5.8 billion is set aside for retired state public officers, while N2.1 billion will go to retired local government workers.
He said, just four days ago, the approval for state retirees was communicated to the Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Mohammed Abatcha.
In a similar vein, the directive for local government retirees was sent to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Ibrahim Jajere, covering the period from January 2020 to May 2025.
Governor Buni has also instructed that from now on, gratuity payments should be included in the state’s monthly financial schedule. This will ensure that payments are made on time each month, alongside regular pensions, and help avoid any future backlogs.
Commissioner for Finance, Alhaji Mohammed Abatcha, described this approval as “a testament to Governor Buni’s compassionate leadership and his recognition of the retirees’ years of dedicated service.”
He also mentioned that the Ministry of Finance, in partnership with the Office of the Head of Service, will work to ensure that the disbursement process is transparent and smooth.