The Enugu State Government has approved about ₦32 billion to settle outstanding legacy gratuities owed to retirees. The government plans to release the first ₦10 billion tranche from next week.
Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, disclosed this on Friday after the State Executive Council meeting at Government House, Enugu. He briefed journalists alongside the Commissioners for Information and Communication, Lands and Urban Development, and Human Development and Poverty Eradication.
Onyia said the payment reflects Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to clearing inherited gratuity liabilities before the end of his first tenure. The government also aims to prevent unpaid retirement benefits from accumulating under future administrations. The announcement adds to other reports on Enugu’s efforts to sustain development gains.
Enugu Approves ₦32bn for Retirees’ Gratuities
Onyia explained that the outstanding gratuities arose before the current administration took office. He said the government included provisions for settling the liabilities in the 2026 budget, which the Enugu State House of Assembly approved.
“This amount of money was put in the 2026 budget and approved by the Enugu State House of Assembly. So, it is in appropriation law,” he said.
The SSG stressed that the approval followed a planned process rather than a hurried decision. He said the administration wanted to establish the actual amount owed before releasing public funds.
The government will begin with ₦10 billion and release subsequent tranches until it clears the verified liability of approximately ₦32 billion. The payment plan forms part of the administration’s wider approach to public finance and workers’ welfare.
In a related development, the state has also approved benefits for serving workers. Read about Mbah’s approval of promotions and conversions for over 2,000 civil servants.
Verification Exercise Established Actual Liabilities
Onyia said the government suspended the existing gratuity verification process in December 2025. It then established a committee to examine records dating back to 2000 and determine the actual outstanding obligations.
The committee reviewed retirees’ records and supporting documents to establish legitimate claims. Onyia said the Executive Council based its approval on the verification exercise’s findings.
He disclosed that the committee, which he chaired, reviewed records belonging to 66,783 people across workforce and pension-gratuity categories. The exercise aimed to prevent fraudulent claims and ensure that only eligible beneficiaries receive payments.
The SSG said retirees who disagree with their verification outcomes can submit complaints to the committee. Officials will review their concerns and address any errors identified in the records.
The administration has also highlighted accountability in its broader governance plans. Its reported achievements across infrastructure and public services provide further context for its stated development priorities.
Local Government Retirees Also Await Payments
The SSG said the government was addressing outstanding gratuity obligations at the local government level. He estimated that local government liabilities exceeded ₦10 billion.
According to Onyia, Governor Mbah has approved a meeting of the Economic Council to review those obligations. The meeting is expected to help determine how local government retirees can begin receiving their gratuities.
He said the government wants local government pensioners to benefit alongside retirees owed money by the state. However, the announcement did not specify a separate disbursement date or payment schedule for local government beneficiaries.
The proposed review follows other government initiatives involving communities and local administration. Related reports include grassroots development efforts through the Community and Social Development Agency and local government leaders’ comments on community development.
Government Says Pension Payments Have Started
Onyia clarified that the current exercise specifically addresses legacy gratuities. He said the government had already begun paying outstanding pension obligations after verifying eligible beneficiaries.
“The gratuity owed to every retiree across the board from 2000 will be paid,” he said.
The SSG reiterated that the administration intended to clear verified liabilities while maintaining payments to eligible pensioners. He also said the government was working towards a more sustainable pension system for Enugu State.
The commitment to clear inherited obligations comes alongside other public sector reforms. For context, read about Enugu’s education policy and investment plans and the administration’s broader plans for regional development and industrialisation.
Enugu Government Highlights Workers’ Welfare
The gratuity approval addresses a long-standing financial obligation to retired workers. For beneficiaries, the planned payments could help settle retirement entitlements that have remained unpaid.
The government says its verification process will protect public funds and ensure that payments reach legitimate beneficiaries. Retirees who have concerns can also seek a review through the committee.
The administration has linked its public service agenda to institutional reforms and improved service delivery. Other reports have covered its long-term development strategy and efforts to attract investment into agriculture, energy and technology.
The government has also discussed wider economic priorities. These include the ₦30 billion economic ambition backed by NACCIMA and the South-East agro-development programme.
Other regional initiatives include the proposed 50,000-hectare agro-mechanisation project and efforts to expand economic opportunities for young Nigerians.
The state has also announced plans to improve water and solar power at the NYSC Awgu camp. Such initiatives form part of the wider public service and infrastructure agenda discussed by the administration.
Onyia maintained that settling verified gratuities remains a key priority. The first ₦10 billion tranche is expected to begin the disbursement process next week, with further payments planned until the state-level liability is cleared.
