Zulum Releases N5.81bn to Clear Gratuity Backlog for Retirees, Deceased Workers

…pledges Improved Welfare for Local Gov’t Employees
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‎Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has presented cheques worth N5.81 billion for the payment of outstanding gratuities to retired civil servants and families of deceased workers.
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‎The governor presented the cheques on Friday at the Council Chamber of the Government House, Maiduguri. The event had in attendance leadership of the organised labour and the Nigerian Union of Pensioners.
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‎The first cheque, amounting to *
‎N2,992,301,964.95, will settle all outstanding gratuities owed to families of deceased civil servants to date. 
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The second cheque of N2,822,528,306.99 will cover gratuities for pensioners up to December 2022, including outstanding payments to staff of the Borno State Housing Corporation from 2013 to date.
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‎“In fulfillment of our campaign promises, this afternoon we are presenting a cheque of about N5,814,830,271.94 to deceased and retired civil servants,” Governor Zulum said.
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‎“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. Civil servants who retired in 2022 will now receive their gratuities in full, after which we shall move to those who retired in 2023,” he added.
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‎Governor Zulum recalled other interventions by his administration, including the monthly release of N200 million for gratuity payment, N8 billion released in 2025 for pensioners’ entitlements and teachers’ gratuities, and N12 billion disbursed in 2020 for about 5,000 retired state and local government workers.
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‎Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Lawan Umar Dalorima, commended the governor for his commitment to workers’ welfare, saying the payment reflects the administration’s determination to honour those who served Borno State.
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‎Responding on behalf of organised labour, NLC Vice Chairman, Comrade Mamman Bukar, described the gesture as timely and impactful. He said it would ease hardship for pensioners and families of deceased workers while boosting confidence in government’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
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‎Governor Zulum also assured local government employees of his administration’s commitment to addressing challenges affecting their welfare.
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‎“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 governor noted that one major constraint facing the local government system is the large workforce on its payroll, which has limited the introduction of far-reaching welfare reforms.
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‎He appealed to local government workers to remain calm, assuring them that government would soon meet with union leadership to deliberate on practical measures to improve their welfare.
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