A’Ibom Govt Settles N60bn out of N90bn Backlog of Gratuities, Other Benefits
By Ekemini Simon
The Government of Akwa Ibom State has paid N60 billion out of the over N90 billion social benefits owed in gratuities, promotions, and other arrears to its workforce. This, the Akwa Ibom State Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien has said.
Addressing journalists in Uyo on Thursday, the Head of Service applauded Governor Umo Eno’s administration for prioritizing workers’ welfare since assuming office 23 months ago.
He said the governor’s consistent release of funds to settle long-standing backlog of gratuity demonstrated his commitment to the well-being of both retired and active civil servants.
“The Governor’s mindset is that such money is released back into circulation to support senior citizens who had committed decades in service to the state and its people,” Essien stated.
The Head of Service opened up on plans to commence immediate payment of gratuities upon retirement once the backlog has been fully cleared.
Commending the recent upward review of pensions, Essien highlighted that retirees from the year 2000 received an additional N20,000, those from 2011 were granted N15,000 more, and retired permanent secretaries now receive an increase of N500,000. He described these interventions as morale-boosters for the state workforce.
“Governor Umo Eno has proven that workers’ welfare is not just a campaign promise but a practical commitment. The productivity index across ministries has significantly improved as a result,” he added.
Checks into the financial books of the State confirmed that Akwa Ibom State is disbursing the funds. For instance, the 2023 Audited Financial Statements and 2024 Full Year Budget Performance Report of the State showed that in 2023, Akwa Ibom State Government spent N22.28bn while in 2024, N28.9bn was spent. In the 2025 Approved Budget of the State, N25bn was approved for Pension and Gratuity in the 2025 fiscal year. However, TheMail Newspaper cannot verify the actual amount used in settling the backlog in the first quarter of 2025 since the first quarter performance report is yet to be published. Yet, going by the claims of the Head of Service in relation to what was paid in the last two years, N8.82bn would likely be the amount paid in the first quarter of 2025 thus totaling N60bn.
The Head of Service also disclosed an ongoing verification of staff at Akwa Ibom State University, aimed at transitioning them into the mainstream state payroll. This, he said, would make them eligible for state benefits and welfare packages.
On the implementation of the new N80,000 minimum wage, Essien confirmed that payments began in February 2025, retroactively effective from November 2024. He noted that the wage implementation followed the verification of 53,000 out of over 55,000 civil servants.
Explaining the contentious 7.5 percent contributory pension scheme, he revealed that Governor Eno has been releasing N500 million monthly to settle outstanding contributions. So far, 15 Local Education Authorities have been refunded.
“The administration is steadily closing the gaps left by years of neglect. We are not just playing catch-up; we are building a sustainable structure,” he said.
He said in a further boost to staff welfare, the governor recently donated 150 units of two-bedroom bungalows to junior staff to address housing challenges.
Essien praised the innovative digital verification process for pensioners initiated by the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy. He described the system as “seamless and refreshing,” noting that retirees were verified at home, in hospitals, and even from abroad via secure online platforms.
To curb the brain drain in the healthcare sector, Essien said the state government has initiated the training of medical doctors as specialists to reduce dependence on external consultants. He emphasized that a bonding agreement, registered with the Nigerian Medical Council, would ensure that beneficiaries remain in the state service to repay the government’s investment in their training.
“We are training and retaining. With the bond system in place, these doctors will serve the state and justify the resources expended on their careers,” he affirmed.
He also announced the recruitment of 600 medical personnel and 100 occupational safety officers into the newly created Department of Occupational Safety in the Office of the Head of Service.