By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the release of N5.81 billion for the settlement of outstanding gratuities owed to retired civil servants and the families of deceased government workers, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
The governor presented the cheques on Friday at the Council Chamber of the Government House, Maiduguri, in the presence of leaders of organised labour and the Nigerian Union of Pensioners.
The disbursement forms part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to clear pension liabilities and improve the welfare of retired public servants.
Governor Zulum said N2.99 billion would be used to offset all outstanding gratuities due to the families of deceased civil servants, while N2.82 billion would cover gratuities for retirees up to December 2022, including outstanding entitlements owed to former employees of the Borno State Housing Corporation from 2013 to date.
“In fulfilment of our campaign promises, we are presenting cheques amounting to about N5.81 billion to retired civil servants and the families of deceased workers,” the governor said.
He noted that many families of deceased civil servants had continued to face financial hardship following the loss of their breadwinners, stressing that the payment was aimed at restoring their dignity and easing their burden.
“We are releasing nearly three billion naira to the families of deceased civil servants so they can continue to live in peace and dignity.
“In addition, all civil servants who retired in 2022 will receive their gratuities in full, after which payments will commence for those who retired in 2023,” he added.
Zulum highlighted previous interventions by his administration, including the monthly release of N200 million for gratuity payments, the disbursement of N8 billion in 2025 for pensioners’ benefits and teachers’ gratuities, as well as N12 billion released in 2020 to settle the entitlements of about 5,000 retired state and local government workers.
Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Lawan Umar Dalorima, described the payment as another demonstration of the governor’s commitment to prioritising workers’ welfare despite competing financial obligations.
He said the settlement underscored the administration’s resolve to honour those who had dedicated their productive years to serving the state.
Representing organised labour, the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Mamman Bukar, commended the governor for clearing the backlog of gratuities, describing the intervention as timely and significant.
According to him, the payment will ease the economic difficulties faced by retirees and families of deceased workers while strengthening confidence in the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
Zulum Promises Improved Welfare for Local Government Workers
Governor Zulum also assured local government employees that his administration would soon address concerns affecting their welfare through sustained engagement with their representatives.
Speaking during the cheque presentation ceremony, the governor acknowledged the challenges confronting local government workers and pledged that the state government would work with union leaders to develop lasting solutions.
“The Borno State Government is fully aware of the challenges facing local government employees. Very soon, we shall engage with you and see how best to address those issues,” he said.
He explained that the large workforce on local government payrolls had constrained the implementation of broader welfare reforms but assured workers that discussions would soon be held to identify practical measures for improving their conditions of service.
The event was attended by the member representing Maiduguri Metropolitan Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Abdulkadir Rahis; Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani; Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe; commissioners, permanent secretaries, labour leaders, and other senior government officials.
