Kwara Government Spends Over ₦30bn on Pension Debts

The Kwara State Government has disclosed that it has spent over ₦30 billion to clear inherited gratuity liabilities owed to pensioners from previous administrations. This announcement was made by the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, in Ilorin during a three-day sensitization program focused on payroll operations and compliance for labor unions.

Nuru emphasized that the expenditure is part of the AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration's commitment to enhancing the welfare of workers and retirees. The administration has prioritized regular salary and pension payments while addressing outstanding arrears.

Nuru noted the implementation of a ₦30,000 minimum wage, which has been increased to ₦70,000, along with a 30 percent Peculiar Allowance, raising the effective minimum wage to approximately ₦91,000. She also mentioned the full implementation of CONMESS and CONHESS for health-sector professionals.

The program aims to strengthen understanding and cooperation between the government and labor unions, with a focus on sustainable workers' welfare.