Ondo State Governor Aiyedatiwa Launches ₦3.82bn Gratuity Payment

Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa has launched the payment of ₦3.82 billion in gratuities to 985 retirees, which includes 509 retirees from the 2020 batch and 476 from the 2015-2019 batches. The beneficiaries are drawn from the mainstream civil service, secondary schools, and state parastatals.

During the flag-off ceremony, Aiyedatiwa referred to the payment as a “debt of honour” and affirmed his administration's commitment to addressing the gratuity arrears inherited from previous administrations. He stated that the state had inherited billions in outstanding gratuity obligations but is adopting a systematic approach to settle these debts.

Aiyedatiwa pledged to clear all inherited gratuity arrears before the end of his tenure, emphasizing that governance involves fulfilling obligations to workers who have served the state. The Pension Transition Office confirmed that retirees would receive their full gratuity entitlements.

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners and representatives of the retirees commended the governor for this significant development, which they believe will provide much-needed relief to those who have awaited their entitlements for years.