Ondo govt clears two-year gratuity backlog with N2.4 billion payout

Lagos State Government, yesterday, said that it had paid N1.004 billion to 465 retirees as their service benefits before the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in 2007.

Director-General of the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), Babalola Obilana, who disclosed this during the 111th Batch retirement bond certificates presentation ceremony, said that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, would continue to demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the welfare of its workforce, both serving and retired officers.

He said that despite the economic challenges faced globally and locally, Lagos remains one of the few states in the federation that consistently fulfils its pension obligations.

According to Obilana, over the years, the Commission has entrenched transparency, accountability and efficiency in pension administration through continuous reforms and process improvements.

Besides, Obilana said that each of the retirees contributed immensely to the growth and development of Lagos State through their years of dedicated service and the government and people of Lagos State remain deeply grateful for their sacrifices and contributions.

In his goodwill message, the Head of Service, Bode Agoro, commended the governor for his leadership and putting issues concerning public servants at the topmost of his priorities.

Agoro, therefore, urged the beneficiaries to use the money wisely and responsibly, saying: “May God continue to bless you with long life, good health, and a sound mind, so you may fully enjoy the benefits you have rightfully earned.”

Similarly, Ondo State Government, yesterday, flagged off the bulk payment of N2.396 billion in gratuity arrears to 2016 and 2017 retirees in the state service.

According to the governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the exercise was a continuation of a deliberate and well-thought-out policy to ensure that every retiree receives benefits in a fair and transparent manner.

The governor, while speaking at the Cocoa Conference Hall, Governor’s Office, Akure, promised to clear the backlog of pension and gratuity arrears inherited by his administration.

He maintained that the disbursement was a product of consistent planning, coming barely a week after his government paid over N1.4 billion to local council and primary school retirees.

On his part, Permanent Secretary of the Ondo State Pension Transitional Department, Bunmi Alade, lauded the governor for prioritising retirees’ welfare despite ongoing projects competing for funds.

Alade disclosed that the payment marked the first time in the state’s history that two full years of gratuity arrears were cleared simultaneously.