Zamfara State Clears ₦13.9bn Gratuity Debt, Launches Pension Reform

Zamfara State Clears ₦13.9bn Gratuity Debt, Launches Pension Reform

Governor Dauda Lawal has announced the payment of over ₦13.9 billion in outstanding gratuities owed to Zamfara State retirees, settling a backlog that spanned from 2011 to 2023. He made this known on Tuesday at the Government House in Gusau during the inauguration of the Contributory Pension Implementation Committee and the presentation of a report by the Joint Committees on Gratuity Payments.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Sulaiman Bala Idris, the governor described the move as a landmark step in restoring dignity to retired workers. According to the statement, a total of ₦13,944,039,204.64 was paid to 8,657 verified beneficiaries from both State and Local Government services. Of this amount, retirees from the State Service received ₦7.96 billion, while those from the Unified Local Government Service were paid ₦5.98 billion.

Governor Lawal expressed personal satisfaction over the milestone, describing it as a moral responsibility long overdue. “Our administration inherited over ₦13 billion in unpaid gratuities for State and Local Government retirees. The delays caused untold hardship. Sadly, some retirees died waiting for their entitlements. May their souls rest in peace,” he stated.

To address the issue, the administration established two committees to verify and recommend the payment of outstanding gratuities. Lawal noted that within his first year in office, the government had already cleared three months of unpaid salaries and allowances for civil and public servants, as well as long-overdue entitlements for judges and judiciary workers.

Speaking further on labour reforms, the governor highlighted key initiatives including the full implementation of the ₦30,000 minimum wage — previously ignored by past administrations — and its subsequent increase to ₦70,000 as of July 2024. In addition, his administration introduced a 13th-month productivity bonus and Sallah bonuses for all civil and public servants, the first of such gesture in Zamfara's history.

“These efforts have boosted morale among public servants and restored trust in governance. We remain committed to the prompt and consistent payment of retirement benefits,” he affirmed.

To institutionalize pension reforms, Governor Lawal inaugurated the Contributory Pension Implementation Committee. The committee has been tasked with reviewing the Zamfara State Pension Law in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice, the State Pension Commission, and other stakeholders; assessing ICT infrastructure and training needs through ZITDA; and designing a clear transition strategy from the current pension scheme to a fully contributory model.

Governor Lawal concluded by commending the Joint Committees for their dedication, resilience, and thorough execution of their assignment.