Delta State has successfully turned a new page in the management of local government pensions, resolving a crippling backlog that left retirees in hardship for over a decade. Governor Sheriff Oborevwori's administration, prioritizing citizen welfare, has implemented a decisive financial and administrative strategy to settle the debts owed to former teachers and local council staff.
A Decade of Debt and a New Governor's Resolve
Upon assuming office, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori was confronted with a significant challenge: retired workers from the teaching service, the 25 local councils, and the Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) were owed pension arrears stretching back over ten years. This accumulated liability was estimated at a staggering over N50 billion, causing severe deprivation for thousands of elderly citizens.
Although the constitutional responsibility for paying these pensions lies with the local councils, Governor Oborevwori demonstrated a profound commitment to the primary duty of government—ensuring the welfare and economic security of the people. He firmly believed that no excuse justified depriving retirees of their rightful entitlements after a lifetime of service.
The Financial Breakthrough: N40bn Loan and Strategic Releases
In line with the welfare focus of his MORE Agenda, the Governor moved swiftly to find a permanent solution. He convened meetings with council chairmen and the leadership of the Delta State Bureau of Local Government Pensions. The major hurdle was clearing the accumulated accrued rights for workers dating from 2011.
A landmark agreement was reached at the State Joint Account Committee (JAC). All 25 local councils jointly obtained a loan of N40 billion, with the Delta State government acting as guarantor. This was bolstered by an additional release of N1.8 billion from the JAC to substantially tackle the backlog.
The result was widespread relief and joy across the state as over 11,400 pensioners, with arrears up to September 2024, received their payments. The clearance continued into December 2025, when the JAC released another N1.5 billion to settle 400 more retirees, effectively clearing the backlog up to retirees by April 2025.
Beyond Payment: Solving Root Causes Through Sensitization
Mr. Benjamin Igo, Chairman of the Delta State Bureau of Local Government Pensions, highlighted that improper documentation and enrollment in the Contributory Pensions Scheme (CPS) were major barriers for retirees. To address this, the Bureau, with full support from the Governor and council chairmen, launched a comprehensive Sensitisation and Enlightenment Tour across all 25 local government areas.
The tour featured officers from the Bureau, representatives from the National Pension Commission (PenCom), and several Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs). Their mission was twofold: to resolve individual complaints from retirees and to educate current workers on the correct CPS enrollment procedures.
The initiative yielded significant results. Numerous retirees and serving workers had their issues resolved on the spot. To ensure lasting clarity, the Bureau produced and distributed a handbook on the Contributory Pensions Scheme process to all councils and LGEAs for easy reference.
For the Oborevwori administration, the pension resolution is more than a financial transaction; it is a fulfillment of a social contract. The combined effort of clearing the historic debt and educating stakeholders on due process marks a sustainable shift towards dignity and timely entitlements for Delta State's retired public servants.
