Kebbi commits N30bn to gratuity payment – HoS

Acting Head of Service in Kebbi State, Alhaji Safiyanu Garba-Bena, Wednesday said the government has committed N30 billion to payment of workers’ gratuities between 2015 and 2018.

He made the disclosure while briefing newsmen in his office in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.

Garba-Bena said that in line with the Governor Atiku Bagudu-led administration’s commitment to the welfare of the state workforce after retirement, approval of a cumulative amount of N30.3 billion was granted by the governor.

This, he said, comprised N20.1 billion for 2015 to 2018 and N10.2 billion, representing the payment of balances of 2017 and 2018 as well as full payment to the 2019 to 2021 verified retirees, all totaling 3,724.

“Let me reiterate that these payments are to ensure general welfare of retirees, both in the local government and state service, in line with the current administration’s welfare policy.

“His Excellency, Gov. Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, has approved the sum of N2,981,856,465:48 for the payment of gratuity and death benefits for 2021.

“The payment is to cover 1,172 beneficiaries of the state, local government and local government education authorities (LGEAs),” he said.

The head of service called on all retirees to make judicious use of their money by embarking on useful ventures, such as farming, trading and commerce in order to cater for their families.

Also speaking, Chairman, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Kebbi State chapter, Alhaji Umar Halidu-Alhassan, commended the state government for being alive to its responsibilities.

Halidu-Alhassan observed that if previous administrations had done what the present administration was doing, the civil servants would not have faced any problem as regards their gratuities.

“Today, I can beat my chest in front of all my colleagues across the federation that my state is up to 2021 in retirement benefits.

“I knew of very few states that are up to his level. Therefore, we have to say kudos to the governor for a job well done,” he stated.

Halidu-Alhassan, however, appealed to the state government to settle the outstanding leave grants so as to give the civil servants courage and zeal to take the state to greater heights.