Aiyedatiwa Clears ₦2.4bn Gratuity Arrears for 2016, 2017 Retirees
Date: 20th October, 2025
Retirees hail governor for restoring dignity, confidence in pension system
Ondo State retirees from the 2016 and 2017 service years have received a fresh breath of relief as Governor Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa on Monday approved and commenced the disbursement of ₦2.396 billion to offset their long-awaited gratuity arrears.
The governor made the announcement at a ceremony held at the Cocoa Conference Centre, Governor’s Office, Akure, describing the initiative as part of his administration’s deliberate effort to clear inherited pension and gratuity backlogs.
Governor Aiyedatiwa said the latest payment followed the recent release of over ₦1.4 billion to local government and primary school retirees, noting that both interventions demonstrate his government’s consistency and sincerity in addressing pension obligations.
“This is a culmination of our administration’s sincerity of purpose and unwavering resolve to honour men and women who gave their strength, intellect and years of service to the development of Ondo State,” Aiyedatiwa said.
The governor explained that the “year of exit” system remains the guiding principle for gratuity payments to ensure fairness and transparency. He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to erasing all outstanding arrears, describing the gesture as a “moral and constitutional duty” rather than an act of favour.
Since assuming office, Aiyedatiwa has maintained a monthly release of ₦180 million to clear outstanding gratuities while ensuring prompt payment of pensions at both state and local government levels.
He also highlighted other welfare initiatives, including the payment of ₦2.236 billion to 2015 retirees, a ₦30,000 monthly allowance for pensioners as fuel subsidy support, and continued investment in infrastructure, education, and digital projects.
Permanent Secretary of the Pension Transitional Department, Mrs. Bunmi Alade, commended the governor’s prioritization of pensioners’ welfare despite limited resources, noting that this is the first time two full years of gratuity arrears have been cleared simultaneously in the state’s history.
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Ondo State Chapter, Comrade Johnson Osuyemi, lauded the governor’s commitment, describing his administration as one that “has restored hope and dignity to senior citizens who once feared neglect.”
Osuyemi recalled how delayed payments in previous years had pushed many retirees into hardship, adding that the new payment plan and consistent stipends have become “a lifeline” for numerous households.
The ceremony was attended by top government officials, including the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Olamide Oladiji; Chief of Staff, Prince Segun Omojuwa; Head of Service, Mr. Bayo Philip; and members of the State Executive Council.
