In a major step towards resolving long-standing financial obligations, the Akwa Ibom State Government has successfully paid over N60 billion to settle gratuities and arrears owed to retired primary school teachers.
Elder Effiong Essien, the state’s Head of Service, revealed this during a media briefing in Uyo on Thursday, highlighting that the total debt inherited by the current administration amounted to N90 billion.
The move is part of the government’s broader strategy to prioritize workers’ welfare and address financial imbalances left by previous administrations.
Essien commended Governor Umo Eno for his ongoing commitment to civil servant welfare, noting that the consistent release of funds to settle the debt is a clear demonstration of the governor’s resolve to support both retired and serving public workers.
“The governor’s mindset is that such money is released back into circulation to support senior citizens who have dedicated decades of service to the state and its people,” Essien stated.
The payout of over N60 billion is part of an effort to clear the backlog of gratuities owed to retirees, ensuring that they receive their due benefits.
Once the full amount is settled, the state plans to begin paying gratuities immediately upon the retirement of civil servants, preventing future delays.
Additionally, the state has taken steps to increase pensions for retirees. According to Essien, pensioners who retired in 2000 or earlier have received an increase of N20,000 in their monthly pension, while those who retired in 2011 have been granted an additional N15,000.
Retired permanent secretaries have also seen their pensions rise by N500,000. Essien emphasized that these measures have acted as morale boosters, helping to strengthen the overall productivity of the state’s workforce.
“Governor Umo Eno has proven that workers’ welfare is not just a campaign promise, but a practical commitment,” Essien said. “As a result, productivity has significantly improved across all government ministries, and workers are more motivated to serve the people of Akwa Ibom with dedication and efficiency.”
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In line with ongoing efforts to improve workers’ welfare, Essien also disclosed that a staff verification exercise is currently underway at Akwa Ibom State University.
The exercise aims to integrate university workers into the state’s payroll system, ensuring they are eligible for welfare benefits and other entitlements.
On the implementation of the new N80,000 minimum wage, Essien confirmed that payments began in February 2025, with retroactive effects from November 2024. Out of the 55,000 state staff audited, 53,000 were successfully verified to receive the new wage.
Essien further addressed concerns regarding the 7.5 percent contributory pension scheme, reassuring the public that the state government is actively addressing outstanding contributions.
He revealed that the government has been releasing N500 million monthly to offset the contributions, with 15 Local Education Authorities already refunded.
“The administration is steadily closing the gaps left by years of neglect,” Essien said. “We’re not just playing catch-up; we’re building a sustainable structure for the future of Akwa Ibom.”
With these significant steps, the Akwa Ibom State Government is not only addressing past financial obligations but also laying the foundation for a more stable and prosperous future for its workforce, both retired and active.
The commitment to improving workers’ welfare continues to be a key focus of the current administration under Governor Umo Eno.