A’Ibom to begin payment of gratuities upon retirement

Etim Ekpimah

The Akwa Ibom State government has said it would begin immediate payment of gratuities to workers once the backlogs that the previous governments owed them are cleared.

Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, stated that government has reviewed pensions, adding that those who retired in year 2000 received an increase of N20,000 while those who retired thereafter got N15,000.

Speaking in Uyo on Thursday, he added that retired permanent secretaries are paid N500,000 monthly as pension. Essien explained that the interventions are morale boosters for the state workforce.

“Governor Umo Eno, PhD has proven that workers’ welfare is not just a campaign promise but a practical commitment. The productivity index across ministries has significantly improved as a result,” he added.

The Head of Service (HoS) revealed that there was an ongoing verification of employees at the Akwa Ibom State University, aimed at transitioning them into the mainstream state payroll. He noted that the transition would make them eligible for state benefits and welfare packages.

Regarding the new minimum wage of N80,000, Essien confirmed that payments began in February 2025, retroactively effective from November 2024. He noted that the wage implementation followed the verification of 53,000 out of over 55,000 civil servants.

On the contentious 7.5 per cent contributory pension scheme, he revealed that Governor Eno has been releasing N500 million monthly to settle outstanding contributions. So far, 15 Local Education Authorities have been refunded.

 “The administration is steadily closing the gaps left by years of neglect. We’re not just playing catch-up; we’re building a sustainable structure,” he said.

Meanwhile, the state government had disbursed N60 billion out of the over N90 billion owed in gratuities, promotions, and other arrears to its workforce.

Essien praised Governor Umo Eno’s administration for prioritising workers’ welfare since assuming office 23 months ago. He noted that the governor’s consistent release of funds toward clearing long-standing gratuity debts demonstrated his commitment to the well-being of retired and active civil servants.

“The governor’s mindset is that such money is released back into circulation to support senior citizens who had committed decades in service to the state and its people.

“In a further boost to staff welfare, the governor recently donated 150 units of two-bedroom bungalows to junior staff to address housing challenges,” Essien said.

Essien lauded the innovative digital verification process for pensioners initiated by the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy. He described the system as “seamless and refreshing,” noting that retirees were verified at home, in hospitals, and even from abroad via secure online platforms.

“T curb the brain drain in the healthcare sector, the state government has initiated the training of medical doctors as specialists to reduce dependence on external consultants. He emphasised that a bonding agreement, registered with the Nigerian Medical Council, would ensure that beneficiaries remain in the state service to repay the government’s investment in their training.

“We are training and retaining. With the bond system in place, these doctors will serve the state and justify the resources expended on their careers,” he affirmed.

He also announced the recruitment of 600 medical personnel and 100 occupational safety officers into the newly created Department of Occupational Safety in the Office of the Head of Service.