The Yobe State Government says it has fully settled outstanding gratuities owed to state and local government retirees, spending more than N15.4 billion to clear years of accumulated liabilities.
The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Baba Wali, disclosed this on Wednesday in Damaturu during a press briefing to mark six years of Governor Mai Mala Buni’s administration.
Wali said the payments had eliminated all gratuity backlogs owed by both the state and local governments, bringing relief to retired public servants across the state.
He noted that the move underscored the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and fiscal responsibility, despite prevailing economic challenges.
Beyond gratuities, the SSG outlined achievements recorded by the administration in security, employment, infrastructure, education, healthcare, transportation and power.
On security, Wali said the government procured 250 operational vehicles and 500 motorcycles for security agencies between 2019 and 2025, while more than 300 patrol and specialised vehicles were rehabilitated.
He added that over 2,000 vigilantes, hunters and hybrid force operatives were engaged to support security operations across the state.
In the area of employment and capacity building, Wali disclosed that 6,449 workers were recruited into the state civil service, while about 35 training programmes were organised for over 6,395 civil servants.
He said more than 26,000 teachers were trained or retrained, and over 4,000 teaching and non-teaching staff were recruited into primary and secondary schools.
On infrastructure, the SSG said about 500 kilometres of roads had been completed or were ongoing across the state, including the Geidam–Bukarti, Damagum–Gubana, Nguru–Bulanguwa and Fika–Maluri roads.
He also revealed that the N22 billion flyover and underpass project in Damaturu is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.
In education, Wali said the government constructed six model schools, seven mega schools, nine girls’ secondary schools and eight co-educational secondary schools. He added that the state continues to pay WAEC, NECO and NABTEB registration fees for eligible students.
On power and electrification, Wali said 25 villages were electrified, while electricity was extended to over 200 locations. He added that several transmission lines were rehabilitated and that 24-hour power supply had been provided to all general hospitals in the state.
In healthcare, he said Primary Healthcare Centres were constructed or rehabilitated in 140 of the state’s 178 wards, while 88 tricycle ambulances were procured.
He added that over 300,000 residents had enrolled in the Yobe State Health Insurance Scheme and drugs worth N2.3 billion were supplied to health facilities.
On transportation, Wali said the state acquired 20 buses for the Yobe Transport Corporation and sold over 100 vehicles to residents at subsidised rates.
He said the administration remains focused on consolidating its gains and improving service delivery to enhance the welfare and living standards of the people of Yobe State.
