Inuwa Yahaya Clears More Gratuity Backlogs for LG Retirees in Gombe
...₦2 Billion Disbursed in Latest Tranche as Total Payments Hit ₦25.6 Billion Since 2019
Gombe, July 22, 2025 — In a major move to fulfill his administration’s promise to retired workers, Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has flagged off the disbursement of another ₦2.06 billion in gratuity payments to retired local government employees across the state.
The ceremony, held at the Government House in Gombe, marks a critical milestone in the governor’s ongoing effort to wipe out inherited gratuity debt, which stood at over ₦21 billion when he assumed office in 2019.
“Since we came in, we’ve paid ₦23.56 billion. With today’s ₦2.06 billion disbursement, our cumulative payment stands at ₦25.626 billion,” Governor Inuwa Yahaya announced, reaffirming his goal to completely clear gratuity liabilities by 2027.
He lamented that between 2013 and 2019, local governments were borrowing to pay salaries, leaving a trail of unpaid retiree benefits and unfulfilled promises.
Equitable Payment Plan Across LGAs
According to the governor, the latest payments will be distributed based on each LGA’s financial capacity:
- Kwami, Nafada, Funakaye – 2023 retirees
- Akko, Billiri, Shongom – 2016/2017 retirees
- Dukku – 2016 retirees
- Balanga – 2015/2016 retirees
- Gombe, Kaltungo – 2014/2015 retirees
- Yamaltu Deba – 2015 retirees
The governor emphasized his
Voices of Gratitude
State Auditor-General, Muhammad Buba Gombe, who also chairs the gratuity payment committee, praised the governor’s unwavering commitment to social justice and worker welfare.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Malam Umar Abdu Maude, a 2014 retiree, described the payments as “a life-saving gesture,” revealing that many colleagues had died in hardship before Governor Yahaya assumed office.
“We were forgotten. Many died without dignity. But under this administration, we are finally seen and cared for,” he said, urging fellow retirees to invest the funds wisely.
Symbolic Cheque Presentation
The event concluded with symbolic cheque presentations to selected retirees, some of whom had waited over a decade to receive their entitement