Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has approved the disbursement of N1 billion for the payment of gratuities owed to retired civil servants since 2012, marking a significant step toward resolving over a decade-long delay in benefits.
In a statement released on Monday by his Chief Press Secretary, Fred Itua, the governor said the state has begun the phased payment of outstanding entitlements to pensioners — a backlog inherited from previous administrations.
“For more than ten years, many of our retirees have endured untold hardship due to unpaid gratuities. We are now taking action to correct this injustice,” the governor stated.
Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed his commitment to improving the welfare of pensioners who, he noted, devoted their productive years to public service.
“I have given the go-ahead for the release of N1 billion as the first tranche of payments. This is only the beginning. We will continue this process until all outstanding gratuities are cleared,” he assured.
He also promised a transparent and structured disbursement process, indicating that beneficiaries will receive payments in verified batches.
“Our goal is to ensure fairness in the payment process and to restore the dignity of our retired civil servants,” Okpebholo added. “It is unacceptable that they have had to wait this long for what is rightfully theirs.”
The governor emphasized that beyond clearing the backlog, the administration will put measures in place to prevent future delays in gratuity and pension payments.
“We will not abandon those who served Edo State faithfully. Their sacrifices will be honored with action, not just words,” he said.
