Abia State Begins Gratuity Payments, Resolves ABSU Strike

The Abia State Government, led by Governor Alex Otti, has commenced the payment of N61.8 billion in gratuities to eligible beneficiaries, following a review by a state government committee. The outstanding gratuity liabilities were categorized into three periods: N7.2 billion from 2001 to 2010, N43.6 billion from 2011 to May 2023, and N10.9 billion from May 30, 2023, to the present.

The committee recommended that the annual financial impact from 2026 to 2031 be included in the state’s medium-term expenditure framework to ensure consistent payments. Additionally, the issues that led to the strike at Abia State University have been resolved, with outstanding check-off dues paid and a new salary scale approved.

These payments, including the consolidated academic teaching allowance, are expected to be disbursed with the August 2026 salaries of affected workers. The governor had previously approved these demands in April 2026, and the resolution was attributed to administrative processes rather than government unwillingness.