Ondo State Government Approves N1 Billion Gratuity Payment for Local Government Retirees

Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa of Ondo State has approved the release of an additional N1 billion to settle gratuity arrears for retired local government workers. This latest payment follows a previous disbursement and is part of a broader effort to address outstanding gratuity obligations.

The announcement was made by Alhaji Amidu Takuro, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, during an interview in Akure on Wednesday. Takuro outlined that the new payment will cover the remaining gratuities for retirees from 2012 and initiate the process for 2013 retirees.

“In continuation of the gradual bulk defrayment of gratuities for local government and primary school teachers’ retirees, the Ondo State Government is set to complete the payment for 2012 and begin the 2013 payments on Friday,” Takuro said. “Being a government that is sensitive to the plight of the people, the Aiyedatiwa-led administration has decided to pay the gratuities of retirees en bloc, rather than paying piece by piece.”

Takuro emphasized the governor’s commitment to addressing the backlog of gratuities. “Gov. Aiyedatiwa has approved another N1 billion within a month of the second tranche payment because the government is determined to offset the backlog of gratuities owed to local government retirees,” he added.

The commissioner also reaffirmed the governor’s pledge to make quarterly payments to retirees, highlighting the administration’s dedication to fulfilling its financial obligations. He urged retirees and the broader state workforce to continue their support for the governor, emphasizing that the administration remains committed to timely pension and salary payments.

This move is part of ongoing efforts by the Ondo State Government to address financial arrears and ensure the welfare of retired workers in the state.