Gov Alia pledges 2023–2025 pension, gratuity payments before January ends

The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, has assured that all pending pensions and gratuities owed to retired civil servants from 2023 to 2025 will be cleared before the end of January 2026.

The assurance was made public in a press statement released on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kula, and shared with journalists in Makurdi.

Governor Alia emphasized that his administration has consistently prioritized the welfare of civil servants, ensuring that salaries, pensions, and gratuities have been paid without interruption since he assumed office.

“We’ve been paying gratuities because I have taken the welfare of my staff and all civil servants very seriously. In the last two and a half years, I have never missed the payment of salaries and pensions, including gratuities,” he stated.

He added that while earlier efforts focused on settling approved arrears, the government is now taking deliberate measures to ensure that all retirees under his administration receive their entitlements promptly.

“For those within the last two and a half years who have not received their gratuities, they will receive them in a matter of days. All gratuities within this period will be paid,” the governor assured.

Alia further noted that payments of other outstanding pension and salary arrears will continue depending on the state’s financial inflows.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining a healthy financial flow while meeting obligations to workers.

“I have no reason not to pay civil servants. They work for the state, and this is the only livelihood they know. That is why we do this very deliberately and diligently,” he said.

On the ongoing nationwide strike by resident doctors, the governor called for dialogue and negotiation, highlighting that conflict resolution remains the most effective way to resolve labor disputes.

He acknowledged that the doctors’ grievances might be valid, including pending obligations left by previous governments, which he affirmed must be honored, stressing that governance is a continuum.

Governor Alia expressed the belief that resident doctors in Benue State would not have joined the strike if it were not part of a nationwide protest.

He highlighted the serious risks posed by the disruption of medical services to families and communities.

“When you lose one person in the state, it is one too many. It haunts you,” he said, urging striking doctors to consider the humanitarian consequences of their action.

He described medical practice as a special calling and praised resident doctors and other health workers for their commitment and sacrifices, appealing for a reconsideration of the strike to save lives.

The governor remained optimistic that the dispute would be resolved soon, noting that the Federal Government is actively addressing the concerns raised by the striking doctors.

NAN