The Zamfara State Government has made significant strides in addressing the long-standing issue of unpaid gratuities for retired state and local government workers. With a total backlog of N2.3 billion in gratuities, the government has taken action to verify and pay out the entitlements owed to 3,079 retirees.

According to a statement from the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Suleiman Bala Idiris, retirees in Zamfara State have been waiting for their gratuities since 2011, leading to a significant accumulation of unpaid funds over the years. However, recent efforts have seen 1,746 pensioners receive two tranches of payments totaling N2,312,841,065.08.

The second tranche of verified pensioners’ gratuity payments began last Friday, providing much-needed relief to retirees who have been patiently waiting for their entitlements. The process has been described as a significant step forward in addressing the issue, with payments being made to both state and local government pensioners.

A total of 413 verified pensioners from the state have received payments amounting to approximately NGN 682,228,647.38, while 403 verified pensioners from local governments have been paid N449,667,142.08. The ongoing verification process aims to ensure that all retirees who are entitled to gratuities receive their payments in a timely manner.

The Zamfara State Government remains committed to addressing the welfare of its retirees, with efforts to verify and authenticate pensioners still ongoing. The successful payment of N2.3 billion in gratuities marks a significant milestone in ensuring that retired workers receive the benefits they are owed.