Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has revealed that his administration has paid over N163 billion in pensions and an additional N37 billion in gratuities to retirees in the state since he assumed office in 2019.
Abiodun made this known during a with the leadership of organized labour at the Governor’s Office, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
He said the payments cut across both the state and local government levels, adding that clearing outstanding arrears of retired civil servants remains a top priority for his government.
According to him, “Between 2019 and now, we have paid N163 billion in pensions and N37 billion in gratuities. We are not relenting. We will continue to demonstrate our commitment to the welfare of our senior citizens who have served this state meritoriously.”
While acknowledging the concerns raised by pensioners, the governor assured that measures are being put in place to further reduce the backlog. He noted that a structured, phased payment system is ongoing and will continue until all entitlements are cleared.
The governor also hinted at a possible upward review of the monthly gratuity release, depending on revenue inflow, to further fast-track the payment of outstanding benefits.
He said: “What is key is that we have decided that in phase one, we will pay outstanding contributions for retirees who have retired from July 2, 2025, to July 2030. We will make that immediate payment.
“Next year, we will make the second payment, which will be phase 2, for those who will be retiring from July 2, 2030, to July 1, 2035.
“We will be making immediate payments for those who will be retiring beyond my tenure in 2027 and beyond the tenure of my successor as well; that is 10 years.
“There will be no gratuity scheme as this will be discontinued from July 2, 2025. All Consolidated Salaries will revert back to the Contributory Pension Scheme.
“A lot of work has gone into this. In the past, we found that those who have been managing our pensions were not actually the right fit for purpose; they were not qualified, and that has made things slower than they should have been.
“Anyone retiring will receive their benefits, and we will provide PENCOM with the resources to ensure that they meet the obligations of those who retire, and that will be done promptly.
“We will pass the appropriate laws to back this decision,” he said.
Abiodun reiterated that his government will always prioritize the welfare of its workforce, both active and retired, as a matter of social justice and gratitude.
