Abia State Begins Phased Payment of Over ₦60 Billion Pension and Gratuity Arrears Owed Since 2001
In a major relief for thousands of retirees in Abia State, Governor Alex Otti has announced that the state government will start the gradual settlement of verified pension and gratuity arrears estimated at more than ₦60 billion, some of which date as far back as 2001.
The announcement was made on November 29, 2025, after the completion of a thorough joint verification exercise carried out by the state government and the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP). Speaking on the development, Governor Otti explained that the payment will be done in phases to ensure only legitimate and fully verified claims are settled.
This long-overdue intervention is expected to bring significant financial relief to senior citizens who have waited for years, and in some cases decades, to receive their rightful retirement benefits. The Governor attributed the state’s ability to tackle this huge liability to far-reaching fiscal reforms his administration has implemented since taking office, which have improved revenue generation and blocked leakages.
This initiative marks another step in Governor Otti’s efforts to clear inherited liabilities and restore confidence in the state’s pension system. While the phased approach reflects prudent financial management given the massive amount involved, the commitment to eventually settle all verified arrears has been hailed as proof that Abia State is serious about honouring its obligations to those who served it faithfully.
Stakeholders will be watching closely as the first batch of payments is rolled out in the coming weeks. For now, the announcement alone has brought hope to thousands of families across the state who have long borne the burden of unpaid pensions and gratuities.
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