Abia State to Begin Payment of Gratuity and Pension Arrears Owed Since 2001 — Gov. Alex Otti Announces!

Abia State to Begin Payment of Gratuity and Pension Arrears Owed Since 2001 — Gov. Alex Otti Announces!

Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa

The government of Abia State has announced that it will commence the gradual payment of verified gratuity and pension arrears owed to retirees since 2001. [1]

What’s Going On

• During a monthly media briefing in Umuahia, Governor Alex Otti confirmed that a joint committee involving the state government and the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) has completed an audit of outstanding claims. [2]
• The confirmed outstanding gratuities and pension arrears are reportedly in excess of ₦60 billion, covering liabilities dating back more than two decades. [2]
• Otti reassured that payments will be made in phases, starting with verified retirees. [3] Why It Matters
• Thousands of retirees in Abia who have lived for years without their benefits may finally receive long‑due entitlements.
• Clearing the backlog could restore trust in the state pension system and improve the welfare of elderly former civil servants.
• The move also signals the administration’s willingness to settle inherited debts and uphold obligations to those who served the state. What to Watch

The schedule and pace of the phased payments — whether all verified retirees get paid promptly.

• Transparency in the payment process to ensure there’s no diversion or mis‑allocation of funds.
• Possible ripple effects — whether other states follow suit by clearing their pension arrears and unpaid gratuities.
  [29/11, 3:42 pm] ChatGPT: Citations:

1. Peoples Gazette Nigeria: gazettengr.com/abia-to-begin-gradual-payment-of-23-year-pension-arrears-gov-otti/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. nationalambassadorngr.com: nationalambassadorngr.com/gov-otti-announces-plans-to-offset-20-year-gratuity-backlog-owed-abia-pensioners/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. Leadership News: leadership.ng/abia-begins-payment-of-gratuity-owed-retirees-since-2001/?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

editor

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Editor-in-Chief of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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