GOMBE GOVERNOR MUHAMMADU YAHAYA BEGINS DISBURSEMENT OF N2.06BN GRATUITY TO 1,000 RETIRED LG WORKERS
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has commenced the disbursement of a new tranche of gratuity payments totaling over N2.06 billion to no fewer than 1,000 retired local government workers across the state’s 11 local government areas.
Speaking during the official flag-off ceremony held on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, at the Government House in Gombe, Governor Yahaya reaffirmed his administration’s unwavering commitment to clearing all outstanding retirement benefits owed to civil servants at both state and local government levels.
The governor revealed that since assuming office in 2019, his administration has paid a cumulative total of N25.626 billion in gratuity to retirees N23.566 billion of which had already been paid prior to this latest disbursement of N2,060,337,466.45.
“When we assumed office in 2019, we inherited over N21 billion in gratuity backlogs, a sordid legacy of unmet obligations that weighed heavily on our retired civil servants,” Yahaya stated.
He further criticized the previous administration, saying, “Between 2013 and 2019, the government routinely borrowed funds just to pay monthly salaries, leaving retirees in despair.”
Governor Yahaya noted that the latest tranche is not only a financial obligation but a moral responsibility to those who dedicated their productive years to the development of Gombe State.
“Our goal remains to achieve zero gratuity liability by 2027 through disciplined financial management, sustained quarterly payments, and innovative fiscal planning,” he added.
The disbursement is structured on an equitable model, allowing each LGA to pay based on its financial capacity:
Kwami, Nafada, Funakaye will pay 2023 retirees
Akko, Billiri, Shongom will settle 2016 and 2017 retirees
Dukku for 2016 retirees
Balanga for 2015 and 2016 retirees
Gombe and Kaltungo for 2014 and 2015 retirees
Yamaltu Deba for 2015 retirees
Also speaking at the event, the state Auditor-General and Chairman of the Committee on Payment of Gratuities, Muhammad Buba, commended Governor Yahaya’s leadership and dedication to fulfilling promises to senior citizens. He urged the beneficiaries to use the funds wisely to support their post-retirement lives.
In an emotional testimony on behalf of the beneficiaries, retiree Umar Maude hailed the payment as a “life-saving gesture,” stressing that many retirees had died in the past due to hardship and neglect.
“Today, after more than a decade, we are smiling at the banks. Under this administration, retiree deaths have reduced because their entitlements are now being paid regularly,” he said.
The ceremony marks yet another milestone in the Yahaya-led administration’s effort to restore dignity and financial stability to Gombe’s retired workforce.
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