Borno Governor Zulum Approves N5.81 Billion to Clear Gratuity Backlog, Promises Better Welfare for Local Government Workers
In a major step towards improving workers’ welfare, 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.
The cheque presentation took place on Friday at the Council Chamber of the Government House in Maiduguri, attended by leaders of organised labour, the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, senior government officials, and other stakeholders.
The intervention underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring that retirees and the families of deceased civil servants receive their long-awaited benefits.
Breakdown of the N5.81 Billion Gratuity Payment
Governor Zulum disclosed that the total amount of N5,814,830,271.94 has been allocated as follows:
N2,992,301,964.95 for the payment of all outstanding gratuities owed to the families of deceased civil servants.
N2,822,528,306.99 to settle gratuities for pensioners who retired up to December 2022, including outstanding benefits owed to staff of the Borno State Housing Corporation dating back to 2013.
According to the governor, the payment fulfills one of his administration’s promises to prioritise the welfare of workers and retirees.
Zulum Reaffirms Commitment to Workers’ Welfare
Governor Zulum stated that many families of deceased civil servants have continued to face financial hardship following the loss of their loved ones.
He explained that nearly N3 billion has been earmarked specifically to support those families, enabling them to live with dignity while easing their economic burden.
The governor further announced that all civil servants who retired in 2022 would receive their gratuities in full, adding that the government would immediately commence payment for those who retired in 2023.
Previous Pension and Gratuity Interventions
The latest payment adds to several welfare initiatives already implemented by the Borno State Government.
Among them are:
Monthly release of N200 million for gratuity payments.
N8 billion released in 2025 for pensioners’ entitlements and teachers’ gratuities.
N12 billion disbursed in 2020 to pay approximately 5,000 retired state and local government civil servants.
These interventions reflect the state’s sustained efforts to reduce pension liabilities and improve the welfare of retired public servants.
Finance Commissioner Commends Governor
The Commissioner for Finance, Hon. Lawan Umar Dalorima, described the payment as another demonstration of Governor Zulum’s people-centred leadership.
According to him, the administration remains committed to honouring workers who dedicated many years of service to the development of Borno State despite competing financial demands.
Labour Union Applauds the Initiative
The Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Mamman Bukar, commended the governor for clearing the outstanding gratuities.
He noted that the payment would significantly reduce the hardship experienced by retirees and the families of deceased workers while strengthening confidence in the government’s commitment to workers’ welfare.
Governor Promises Better Welfare for Local Government Employees
Governor Zulum also assured local government workers that his administration is actively working on measures to improve their welfare.
He acknowledged that local government councils currently face challenges due to a large workforce on their payroll, which has limited the implementation of broader welfare reforms.
The governor revealed that the state government would soon meet with representatives of local government workers to discuss practical solutions aimed at improving salaries, welfare packages, and overall working conditions.
He appealed to workers to remain patient while the government finalises plans to address their concerns.
Dignitaries at the Event
The ceremony was attended by several top government officials and stakeholders, including:
Rt Hon. Abdulkadir Rahis, Member representing Maiduguri Federal Constituency, Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijani, Acting Chief of Staff, Dr. Babagana Mustapha Mallumbe.
Commissioners and Permanent Secretaries, Director-General of the Debt Management Office, Labour leaders and representatives of pensioners.
In conclusion, the release of N5.81 billion for gratuity payments marks another significant milestone in Governor Babagana Umara Zulum’s efforts to strengthen social welfare in Borno State. Beyond settling long-standing gratuity arrears, the administration has also reaffirmed its commitment to improving the welfare of local government employees, a move expected to boost morale and enhance public service delivery across the state.
