NUP Applauds Governor Inuwa Yahaya for Clearing N17.2 Billion Gratuity Backlog
By Auwal Ahmad, Gombe
Gombe State Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya, CON, has received high praise from the National Executive Council (NEC) of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) for his exceptional commitment to retirees’ welfare by clearing a substantial N17.2 billion gratuity backlog.
In a letter signed by the NUP’s General Secretary, Actor Zal, the union lauded the governor’s decisive action in addressing a long-standing issue that had left retirees in distress for years.
“We wish to appreciate and commend Your Excellency for clearing the outstanding backlog of gratuity, which amounted to N17.2 billion out of the N21 billion liability inherited from the previous administration,” the letter read.
The pensioners highlighted Governor Yahaya’s compassionate and proactive approach, which they described as a lifeline for retirees who had faced years of neglect. They praised his leadership as a reflection of his dependable and visionary qualities, which have consistently prioritized transparency and fairness.
“This development did not come as a surprise, given your pedigree as a politician and businessman of high repute, known for reliability and dependability,” the union emphasized.
Upon assuming office in 2019, Governor Yahaya established a verification committee to ensure transparency in the payment of gratuities. This strategic initiative has significantly alleviated the suffering of retirees, many of whom had endured untold hardship due to the prolonged delay in payments
The union expressed its gratitude for the governor’s efforts, which have shielded pensioners from economic hardship. They reaffirmed their support for his administration, pledging to back policies and programs aimed at improving retirees’ welfare and advancing the state’s development.
Governor Inuwa Yahaya inherited a staggering gratuity debt exceeding N21 billion, accrued since 2012 for local government areas and 2014 for the state. Through strategic financial management and prioritization of workers’ welfare, his administration has successfully cleared 80% of the inherited liabilities. He remains committed to settling the outstanding balance before completing his tenure.
The NUP’s commendation underscores the significant impact of Governor Yahaya’s