Borno State Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum, has approved the release of N5.81 billion to settle outstanding gratuities owed to retired civil servants and the families of deceased workers, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare.
Governor Zulum presented the cheques on Friday at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Maiduguri in the presence of leaders of organised labour and the Nigeria Union of Pensioners.
The governor announced that N2.99 billion would be used to fully settle outstanding gratuities owed to the families of deceased civil servants, while N2.82 billion would cover gratuities for retirees up to December 2022, including outstanding payments to staff of the Borno State Housing Corporation dating back to 2013.
Speaking during the presentation on Friday night, Zulum said the payment fulfilled one of his administration’s promises to prioritise the welfare of workers, retirees, and the families of deceased civil servants.
He noted that many families had endured years of hardship following the loss of their loved ones, adding that the intervention would help restore dignity and provide much-needed financial relief.
The governor also highlighted previous efforts by his administration, including the monthly release of N200 million for gratuity payments, the disbursement of N8 billion for pensioners’ entitlements and teachers’ gratuities in 2025, and N12 billion released in 2020 to settle benefits for about 5,000 retired state and local government workers.
Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Lawan Umar Dalorima, praised the governor’s commitment to workers’ welfare, describing the payment as another demonstration of compassionate and people-centred leadership.
On behalf of organised labour, Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Mamman Bukar, commended Governor Zulum for settling the outstanding gratuities, saying the payment would ease the hardship faced by pensioners and the families of deceased workers while strengthening confidence in the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
The governor also assured local government employees that his administration was aware of the challenges affecting their welfare and would soon engage with their union leaders to develop lasting solutions.
According to Zulum, the large number of workers on local government payrolls has remained a major challenge to implementing broader welfare reforms. He appealed to workers to remain patient, assuring them that discussions with their representatives would commence soon to address their concerns.
The event was attended by senior government officials, lawmakers, labour leaders, permanent secretaries, and other dignitaries.
