Gombe State Governor Clears Backlog of Gratuity for Retirees, Emphasizes Civil Service Reforms
In a landmark event held at the Government House in Gombe on Thursday, March 7th, 2024, Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of civil servants and retirees. The occasion marked the presentation of cheques and the payment of backlogs of gratuities owed to state and local government retirees, underscoring the state government’s unwavering dedication to addressing long-standing issues affecting its workforce.
Addressing the audience, Governor Yahaya expressed his gratitude to Almighty Allah and highlighted the significance of the event in recognizing the invaluable contributions of civil servants and retirees to the development of the state. He emphasized the responsibility of the government to improve the welfare of its workforce and reiterated his administration’s determination to tackle challenges head-on.
Upon assuming office in 2019, Governor Yahaya acknowledged inheriting a significant backlog of gratuity arrears amounting to 21 billion naira. Over the past five years, his administration has successfully cleared over 7 billion naira of these backlogs, providing much-needed relief and dignity to retirees who have dedicated their lives to the service of the state.
Governor Yahaya outlined various civil service reforms initiated by his administration to address issues associated with the service. These reforms include the establishment of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms to revitalize the service, implementation of promotions in both state and local government civil service, and rationalization of ministries to reduce the cost of governance and bureaucratic inefficiencies.
The governor stressed the importance of accountability and productivity in the civil service, introducing measures such as the biometric attendance system to enhance transparency, efficiency, and discipline among civil servants.
In the latest round of payments, the state government disbursed a total sum of NGN5,440,045,865.73 to both state and local government retirees. Payments were allocated based on individual resources, with financially capable local governments able to settle more of their obligations.
Governor Yahaya called upon civil servants to redouble their efforts and demonstrate unwavering commitment to excellence in service delivery, emphasizing their integral role in the success of his administration. He warned against indiscipline or misconduct, stressing the need for civil servants to uphold the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
The governor commended labor leaders, retiree union leaders, and other stakeholders for their patience, understanding, and cooperation throughout the process of addressing backlogs and implementing civil service reforms. He assured them of his administration’s commitment to clearing all backlogs in due course.
In conclusion, Governor Yahaya urged all stakeholders to work together towards building a responsive, efficient, and accountable civil service that meets the needs of the people. He emphasized the importance of meritocracy and accountability in the service, expressing confidence in the collective efforts to achieve these goals.
The event concluded with expressions of gratitude and a call for continued collaboration in the journey towards a better, more prosperous Gombe State.