BENIN CITY — Governor Monday Okpebholo has approved the release of N1 billion for the payment of gratuities to retired teachers and local government workers in Edo State, with disbursement commencing on Monday.

The exercise primarily targets those who retired in 2012, while also accommodating some pensioners from 2009 to 2011 who had remained unpaid for years.

The long-awaited payments triggered emotional scenes at collection centres, as several elderly and frail retirees broke down in tears upon receiving their cheques after prolonged delays.

Further findings indicated that some critically ill retirees from 2013 were also included in the payment process on compassionate grounds.

Presenting the cheques, Chairman of the Local Government Staff Pension Bureau, Hon. Kabiru Adjoto, said the intervention reflects the administration’s commitment to clearing outstanding gratuities and improving retirees’ welfare.

He disclosed that the governor has already approved another N1 billion for the next phase, which will cover those who retired in 2013, adding that the current disbursement is part of a sustained effort to clear accumulated arrears.

“The Governor considers it unfortunate that gratuities were allowed to pile up over the years. He has assured that once this tranche is completed, another N1 billion will be released. This will be a continuous exercise,” Adjoto said.

“We discovered that some retirees between 2009 and 2011 had not been paid. We brought them into the process and cleared the backlog. Before the end of this week, another N1 billion will be released.”

Adjoto stressed that the administration is determined to reposition Edo State as a benchmark for prompt pension administration in Nigeria.

“The Governor is serious about gratuity payments. He is not comfortable with the backlog. This government is willing and determined to ensure that every retiree gets his or her due. I appeal for patience as the process continues,” he added.

He also warned pensioners against fraud, stressing that gratuity collection is free of charge.

“It is criminal to pay money to collect your cheque. Do not give anyone money to influence your payment. There is no percentage to be paid. Anyone who demands even one percent should be reported to the Pension Bureau,” he cautioned.

Meanwhile, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Samuel Okhuelegbe, commended the state government for the intervention and urged sustained efforts to fully address the welfare of pensioners in the state.