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May Day: I've cleared 7 yrs gratuity, pension arrears owed Anambra retirees
- Surefoot AfrikBg
- 20 hours ago
- 2 min read
By Madu Obi
The Governor of Anambra State, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has said that his administration has successfully cleared seven years of accumulated gratuity and pension arrears inherited from his predecessor, Chief Willie Obiano.
Speaking during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at the Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, Soludo reiterated his government's commitment to workers' welfare despite the current economic challenges.
"With regard to the gratuities owed to our retired workforce, we have settled all arrears inherited upon assuming office.
I am pleased to report that, barring cases where retirees have yet to complete documentation, we have successfully cleared four years’ backlog of pension arrears.
In the civil service, retirees were owed four years of pensions totaling N14 billion. I am happy to announce that we have paid for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020. Only the year 2021 remains, and we are making arrangements to ensure it is paid shortly," Soludo said.
The governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to transparency, fiscal responsibility, and improved working conditions for public servants.
"Within the limits of our available resources, we remain determined to enhance the welfare and working environment of our workforce. This is not just a policy choice—it is a moral obligation," he declared.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, commended the Soludo administration for progress made so far.
He, however, urged the state government to expedite action on the implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme, a key recommendation by the Joint Committee on Pension Reform, arguing that it would provide long-term financial security for retirees and ensure a more sustainable pension system.
Nwafor also appealed for the payment of outstanding allowances owed to non-teaching staff under the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB) and those in post-primary institutions.
These workers have yet to receive the approved 17.5% peculiarity allowance and deserve treatment comparable to the 27.5% allowance granted to teachers", he said.
In addition, the NLC Chairman called for the immediate and full implementation of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUSS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS).
He also stressed the need for increased training opportunities, improved welfare packages, and enhanced security for workers across all sectors.