Taraba Governor Kefas approves N1bn to reduce backlog of gratuity to retirees in state

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Governor of Taraba State, Dr. Agbu Kefas

The Governor of Taraba State, Dr Agbu Kefas, has approved the sum of N1billion to reduce the payment of backlog of gratuity to pensioners in the state.

Approving the payment, Governor Kefas directed the state Ministry of Finance to ensure immediate payment of the overdue entitlements to the senior citizens.

The Governor regretted the delay in the commencement of payment assuring that his government would not abandon workers who served their fatherland diligently for many years.

Apart from the initial N1 billion immediate payment, the Governor also directed that N200 million be set aside every month to offset the backlog and continue the payments of gratuity to retirees.

Dr Kefas during his election campaigns promised to offset pensions and gratuity in spite of the huge backlog lamenting that it was unrighteous to deny entitlements of persons who toiled for the state over the years promising to continue prompt payments of salaries, pensions and gratuities in the state.

Permanent Secretary, Pensions in the state Mrs Rose Garba Ajiya, said the gesture will effectively end many years of anguish and frustration of pensioners saying that her team are well prepared to begin the payments as all the required records the are available.

Commenting, some pensioners in Taraba State who bared their minds on what they called “a positive move towards the right direction” commended the Governor for his foresight and sympathy for pensioners and prayed God to continue to give him the strength and wisdom to pilot the affairs of Taraba State effectively.

Gratuity was last paid to pensioners in Taraba State in 2010 and the backlog is estimated to over N40 billion.