Kwara pensioners urge Gov Abdulrazaq to pay gratuity arrears

Pensioners in Kwara have appealed to Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq to release a substantial amount of money to clear the backlog of arrears of accumulated gratuity owed the retirees at both the local and state levels.

In a statement jointly signed by the union’s chairman, Alhaji Saidu Oladimeji, and the secretary, Comrade (Chief) Abraham Jonah Gana JP, the retirees said that the backlog of arrears runs into billions of Naira.

They also called on the governor to implement consequential adjustment to N30,000 on pension increase based on N70,000 new minimum wage already approved by the Federal Government.

“Other requests include pension increase as implemented for federal pensioners, pension increase arising from implementation of new minimum wage of N70,000 and consideration of pensioners on free beneficiaries of the State Health Insurance”.

The pensioners, who applauded Governor Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq for his concern and assistance to pensioners in the state, since assumption of office, asked him to show them mercy.

They also appreciated God for His mercy on them and the opportunity given to members to witness the beginning of a new year.

Meanwhile, the Kwara State Ministry of Finance has encouraged all pensioners in the state and local government to complete their registration with the Kwara State Residents Registration Agency (KWSRRA).

In a statement by the State Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, she said that apart from fulfilling the obligation to update their data with the government for planning and security purposes, the registration will qualify the retirees for payment of outstanding gratuities dating back to 2011.

“Apart from the consistent monthly releases, the State and Local Government will soon begin another round of substantal payment of outstanding gratuities from 2011.

“However, it is essential for all pensioners to register with KWSRRA to revalidate their information. They can do this either at the Ilorin office of KWSRRA or in the headquarters of their respective local government areas, all of which have KWSRRA desks.”

Dr Nuru also urged State and Local Government staff who have yet to complete their KWSRRA registration to do so without delay, assuring them of government’s commitment to prompt salary payments.

“We understand the importance of these payments to our pensioners and employees. The ongoing KWSRRA registration exercise is a vital step to sanitise the payroll system, ensure transparency, and improve the accuracy of government data,” she added.