Governor Mbah Initiates Gratuity Payments for Enugu State Retirees in 2025

 

In a significant step toward fulfilling his campaign promises, Enugu State Governor Dr. Peter Mbah has launched the payment of gratuities to retirees from the state’s civil service. This initiative, which began in March 2025, targets workers who retired from January of the same year, marking a pivotal moment for retirees who have long awaited these funds. The move reflects the governor’s commitment to improving the welfare of retired civil servants and addressing longstanding financial obligations inherited from previous administrations.

Details of the Gratuity Payment Initiative

Governor Mbah’s administration commenced the disbursement of gratuities following a directive aimed at ensuring timely and transparent payments. The process began with retirees who completed a biometric verification exercise, a measure introduced to eliminate ghost workers from the state’s payroll and pension records. This verification process is a cornerstone of the administration’s efforts to ensure accuracy and accountability in the payment system.

The State Accountant General, Mr. Anthony Okenwa, confirmed the development during a press briefing in his office on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. He explained that the payments are currently focused on civil servants who retired in 2025, with plans to address the backlog of gratuities spanning from 2010 to 2024 in subsequent phases. The backlog has been temporarily frozen pending verification of retirees from that period, a step aimed at ensuring that only legitimate beneficiaries receive payments.

Okenwa emphasized Governor Mbah’s determination to clear all outstanding pensions and gratuities owed to retirees. “As directed by the governor, we have started disbursing gratuities to workers who retired from January this year,” he stated. He further noted that the payments for the 2010–2024 backlog would be made in installments once the verification process is complete, ensuring a systematic and equitable approach.

Background and Campaign Promise

Governor Mbah’s initiative is rooted in a promise made during his 2023 gubernatorial campaign, where he pledged to address the arrears of pensions and gratuities inherited from past administrations. This commitment was reiterated in various public statements and actions, including the inauguration of committees tasked with verifying and clearing outstanding payments. For instance, in August 2023, Mbah established a seven-man committee chaired by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, to oversee the verification and payment of outstanding pensions and gratuities to state retirees.

The current payment initiative follows earlier efforts, such as the announcement in February 2025 of a verification exercise for gratuity and related entitlements, set to begin on February 24, 2025. This exercise was designed to ensure that all retirees and their next of kin were properly documented before payments commenced, reflecting the administration’s methodical approach to resolving the issue.

Implementation and Verification Process

The biometric verification process has been a critical component of the gratuity payment rollout. By requiring retirees to undergo this verification, the government aims to eliminate fraudulent claims and ensure that funds are disbursed only to genuine beneficiaries. The process has been praised for its transparency, though it has also required patience from retirees as the administration works through the backlog.

For those who retired between 2010 and 2024, the verification process is ongoing, with payments scheduled to follow in installments. This phased approach allows the government to manage its financial resources effectively while addressing the needs of retirees over time. The administration has also established a grievance redress mechanism, including a helpline and email address, to address complaints or inquiries from retirees, further enhancing the process’s transparency and accessibility.

Broader Impact on Enugu State

The payment of gratuities is expected to have a significant positive impact on Enugu State’s economy and the well-being of its retirees. By injecting funds into the hands of retired civil servants, the initiative will boost local purchasing power, particularly among vulnerable populations. Governor Mbah has highlighted this economic stimulus as a key benefit, noting that the combined effect of clearing arrears and maintaining regular pension payments will inject billions of naira into the state’s economy monthly.

Moreover, the initiative aligns with Mbah’s broader vision of eradicating poverty in Enugu State. During the inauguration of the verification committee in 2023, he emphasized that providing retirees with financial security is a critical step toward improving their standard of living and addressing the root causes of insecurity and economic fragility. This focus on vulnerable populations underscores the administration’s people-centric approach to governance.

Challenges and Criticisms

Despite the positive reception of the gratuity payments, the administration has faced challenges and criticisms. Reports from early 2025 indicated that Enugu State was grappling with a significant debt of over N26.8 billion in gratuities and pension arrears as of December 31, 2020. The Chairman of the Enugu State Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Elder Ikechukwu Ekere, has previously voiced concerns about the plight of pensioners, noting that many are struggling with hunger and health issues due to delayed payments.

Critics have also pointed to the state’s allocation of funds for other projects, such as the proposed Enugu Air, as evidence of misplaced priorities. However, the Mbah administration has countered these criticisms by highlighting its substantial increase in Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), which grew from N37.4 billion in 2023 to N144.7 billion by September 2024. This financial growth has enabled the state to address multiple priorities, including the payment of gratuities.

Next Steps and Future Outlook

Looking ahead, Governor Mbah’s administration plans to continue the phased payment of gratuities, with a focus on clearing the 2010–2024 backlog as verification progresses. The government has assured retirees that all outstanding amounts will be paid in installments until fully cleared, providing a clear timeline for resolution. Additionally, the administration is likely to maintain its biometric verification system to ensure ongoing accuracy in pension and gratuity disbursements.

For retirees and their families, this initiative offers hope and financial relief after years of uncertainty. The successful implementation of the payment plan could also bolster Mbah’s political standing, reinforcing his reputation as a leader committed to fulfilling campaign promises and improving governance in Enugu State.

Conclusion

Governor Peter Mbah’s commencement of gratuity payments to Enugu State retirees in March 2025 is a landmark achievement in addressing the financial needs of retired civil servants. By prioritizing transparency through biometric verification and adopting a phased payment approach, the administration is tackling a complex issue with diligence and care. As the process continues, the impact of these payments will likely extend beyond individual retirees, contributing to economic growth and social stability in Enugu State.

For the latest updates on this initiative and other developments in Enugu State, residents are encouraged to follow credible news sources and official government announcements. This effort serves as a model for other states in Nigeria, demonstrating the importance of addressing pension and gratuity arrears to support retirees and strengthen local economies.