Akwa Ibom State Government has disbursed N81.06 billion in pensions and gratuities to civil servants in the first three years of Governor Umo Eno's administration, exceeding the N70.07 billion paid during the final four years of former Governor Udom Emmanuel's tenure, according to a review of the state's audited financial statements by PREMIUM TIMES.
Breakdown of payments
The audited accounts for 2023, 2024, and 2025 show that Mr Eno's government paid N22.28 billion in 2023, N27.79 billion in 2024, and N30.98 billion in 2025, totaling N81.06 billion. In contrast, Mr Emmanuel's administration paid N16.99 billion in 2019, N15.67 billion in 2020, N16.54 billion in 2021, and N20.87 billion in 2022, summing to N70.07 billion. The current administration's payments are N10.99 billion higher.
Outstanding liabilities shrink
The 2025 audited financial statements also reveal that the state's outstanding pension and gratuity obligations stood at N38.02 billion as of 31 December 2025. This includes N14.35 billion in gratuities for civil servants, N3.66 billion in unpaid pensions for civil servants, and N20 billion in estimated future pension obligations. The liabilities are significantly lower than the N111 billion backlog Mr Eno said he inherited in May 2023. “I remain on track to liquidate the backlog hopefully before the end of the first term,” the governor has repeatedly said.
Revenue context
The pension payments occurred during a period of unprecedented revenue inflows. PREMIUM TIMES recently reported that Akwa Ibom generated N2.53 trillion in revenue within the first 32 months of the Eno administration, exceeding the total revenue during Mr Emmanuel's eight years in office. This higher revenue base provides context for comparing expenditure patterns.
Years of protests
Pension and gratuity payments were contentious under Mr Emmanuel. In July 2016, hundreds of pensioners marched through Uyo during his birthday to protest unpaid entitlements. Some protesters were arrested and charged for unlawful protest; the case was dismissed in court in 2018. In April 2021, widows and next of kin of late primary school teachers protested the government's failure to keep promises. In August 2022, next of kin of deceased primary school teachers protested unpaid death benefits, gratuities, and pension arrears.
Retirees acknowledge improvement
Benson Benjamin, who led several protests and was among those arrested, said payments have become more consistent under Mr Eno. “Umo Eno’s administration is far better than the previous administration in terms of payment of unpaid pensions and gratuities of living teachers and next of kin,” he told PREMIUM TIMES. “If they miss paying in a particular month, the following month it will be paid.” He noted that the government prioritizes retirees with serious medical conditions, even if not yet due for gratuity. However, retired primary school teachers are still owed pension arrears from 2015. While gratuity payments have progressed from retirees of 2011 to those of 2014, the release of funds for outstanding pension arrears remains slow.
Primary school retirees still lag
Felix Cookey, Chairman of the Forum of Retired Primary School Teachers and Next of Kin, acknowledged improvements but said primary school retirees face unique challenges due to large numbers. Pension payments are now regular across sectors, and gratuity payments for civil servants and secondary school retirees have advanced to those who retired in 2023 and 2024. For retired primary school teachers, gratuity payments have only reached those who retired in 2014. “The governor has done his best when you compare it with the last administration on retirees’ emolument. This administration is far ahead,” Mr Cookey said. “He started clearing gratuities from 2011 and has reached 2014. The challenge is that the amount released monthly to the primary school sector is inadequate because the number of retirees is far higher.” He added that unpaid pension arrears remain a major issue. “The governor has already approved payment, but the money has not been released. Many retirees are dying while waiting.” Mr Cookey also credited the administration with paying outstanding 7.5 per cent contributory pension refunds, implementing the N27,500 pension increase from the minimum wage adjustment, and settling other benefits.
Local government workers not left behind
Anestina Iweh, President of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees in Akwa Ibom, who in 2021 refuted claims that local government workers' allowances were cleared, said gratuity payments have improved significantly. When Mr Eno assumed office, gratuity payments for local government workers had only reached retirees up to September 2014. Payments have since progressed to cover retirees up to 2022, and some who retired in 2023 have started receiving gratuities. “As of now, there are no gratuity arrears in the local government. Promotion arrears and leave grant arrears have also been cleared,” she said.
Labour backs government's efforts
Sunny James, Akwa Ibom State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress, commended the administration’s handling of retirees’ welfare. “This administration of Governor Umo Eno is committed to workers, especially in the gradual settlement of outstanding gratuities, which has brought relief and renewed hope to many retirees,” he said on 1 May during the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration.
