In a significant development for retired civil servants, Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced the commencement of payment for pension arrears that have accumulated over two decades. The governor revealed that the state government has begun a phased disbursement of gratuities dating back to 2001, with total verified outstanding pensions exceeding N60 billion.
Long-Awaited Relief for Retirees
Speaking during his monthly media briefing at the Government House in Umuahia, Governor Otti expressed his administration's commitment to addressing the historical liabilities inherited from previous governments. More than 20 years of unpaid dues have created significant hardship for retirees who depended on these funds for their livelihood during retirement.
The governor stated, "It is disheartening that pensions have remained outstanding since 2001, but government is continuous. Whatever liabilities are handed over, we deal with them." He reassured pensioners that the current administration is determined to gradually settle all verified arrears, bringing much-needed relief to those who have waited patiently for their hard-earned benefits.
Comprehensive Verification Process
Before commencing payments, the state government conducted a thorough review of all pending pension claims in collaboration with the Nigerian Union of Pensioners. This careful verification process ensured that payments would be accurate and properly authenticated before disbursement to legitimate beneficiaries.
Governor Otti emphasized that transparency and due process guided the entire exercise, with the state working closely with pensioners' representatives to validate each claim. This collaborative approach aimed to prevent errors and ensure that funds reach the intended recipients.
Current Workers' Welfare Prioritized
While addressing historical pension debts, the governor also highlighted that current workers' salaries are up to date, underscoring staff welfare as a key priority of his administration. He specifically addressed a recent payment glitch affecting newly recruited teachers, stating that he had instructed officials to resolve the issue promptly.
"I have instructed everyone involved that they cannot have a weekend until every affected teacher is paid. By the end of Sunday, all impacted staff will receive their salaries," Otti declared, demonstrating his administration's commitment to timely wage payments.
Broader Development Initiatives
The pension payment announcement comes alongside several other development initiatives in Abia State. The government recently reopened its recruitment portal to hire 4,000 teachers, attracting an impressive 27,980 applications within just two weeks. Governor Otti assured that the selection process would be transparent, merit-based, and free from manipulation.
In the health sector, recruitment of medical personnel is nearly complete, with some professionals coming from outside Nigeria. Recent national assessments have rated Abia as the most prepared state for medical emergencies in the country, while the state also leads the Kelvin Index for intra-city transport affordability.
Infrastructure development continues to progress, with road construction resuming after the rainy season and contractors directed to accelerate work. The administration has also made significant strides in land administration, issuing 30,562 Certificates of Occupancy in just two-and-a-half years under the state's 30-day policy.
Economic Development Projects
Looking toward economic growth, Governor Otti confirmed progress on the 10,000 barrels per day modular refinery being constructed in the Abia Industrial and Innovation Park in Owazza. The project, being built by HSI Energies Group, is expected to provide about 1,000 direct jobs and countless indirect employment opportunities upon completion.
The governor reaffirmed his administration's commitment to transparent governance, sustainable development, and prioritizing the welfare of both workers and retirees, promising that Abia is steadily moving toward the vision of a progressive and well-administered state.
