Governor Babagana Umara Zulum of Borno State has approved the release of N5.81 billion to clear a substantial backlog of gratuities owed to retired civil servants and the families of deceased workers, in one of the state’s biggest pension settlement exercises.
The governor presented cheques valued at N5,814,830,271.94 on Friday at the Government House in Maiduguri before representatives of organised labour and the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
Breakdown of the Payout
Of the total sum:
1. N2.99 billion will settle all outstanding gratuities owed to families of deceased civil servants
2. N2.82 billion will clear gratuities for retirees up to December 2022, including outstanding entitlements owed to staff of the Borno State Housing Corporation dating back to 2013
“We have quite a number of civil servants who have lost their lives, and their families are still battling with life’s challenges. We are presenting about three billion naira to the families of deceased civil servants so they can continue to live in peace and dignity,” the governor said.
He added that with the latest payment, all retired civil servants up to 2022 would receive their gratuities in full, while the government would immediately begin processing payments for those who retired in 2023.
Ongoing Interventions
The latest disbursement adds to a series of interventions by the Zulum administration to address pension liabilities. The state currently releases N200 million monthly for gratuity payments.
In 2025, the government approved N8 billion for pensioners’ entitlements and teachers’ gratuities, while N12 billion was disbursed in 2020 to settle benefits owed to about 5,000 retired state and local government workers.
Commissioner for Finance, Lawan Dalorima, described the payment as further evidence of the administration’s commitment to honouring workers who dedicated their careers to public service. He said despite competing financial demands, the government has continued to prioritise the welfare of citizens, particularly retirees.
Labour Reacts
The organised labour movement welcomed the development. Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress in the state, Mamman Bukar, described the payment as timely and capable of reducing the economic hardship confronting pensioners and families of deceased workers.
He said the exercise would strengthen workers’ confidence in the government’s commitment to fulfilling its obligations.
Assurance for LG Workers
Zulum also assured local government employees that his administration is preparing measures to improve their welfare.
He acknowledged that LG workers face numerous challenges but explained that the size of the workforce has constrained broader welfare reforms. The state government, he said, will soon meet with leaders of local government workers to identify practical solutions.
“Borno State Government is very much aware of some of the problems facing local government employees. Very soon, we shall engage with you and see how we can address your challenges,” he said.
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The cheque presentation ceremony was attended by senior government officials, members of the National Assembly, labour leaders, permanent secretaries and other top dignitaries.
