Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has assured pensioners of the state of regular monthly disbursements totaling N200 million in gratuities, with a commitment to reviewing pensions to align with current economic realities.
The governor gave the assurance while disbursing over N500million in gratuity cheques to 152 pensioners in Ado- Ekiti on Monday,
Governor Oyebanji also promised to review the monthly pension following the discovery that some pensioners still receive abysmally low amount as monthly pension.
Expressing dissatisfaction with the traditional practice of gathering pensioners in halls for cheque distribution, the governor directed the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to switch to monthly disbursements.
Addressing the issue of outstanding pensions totaling over N40 billion, Governor Oyebanji disclosed plans to settle the debt and approved N100 million monthly allocations for both state and local government retirees.
He said, “Forty Billion is just a number, I don’t think that is something we should not be able to resolve, I am in constant discussion with the committee that is doing this, they are almost done, we are looking at the best deal that will be acceptable to you and government. Once, we get to that level, we should be able to make a very definite mark on that number.
“I have approved that local government and state pensioners should be paid N100million every month for gratuity. I have just increased that of local government from N50million to N100million. So, every month, apart from pension, we will be paying N200million and I believe that will go a long way till we resolve the issue on ground.
“There is no need accumulating the money, it should be paid to the pensioners immediately they receive it. We don’t have to be coming here to be distributing cheques again, I don’t think it is necessary again. I am not doing this for political reason.”
Assuring citizens that his administration’s focus on infrastructure development would not detract from welfare programs, the governor emphasized the importance of addressing both present and future needs.
He highlighted strategic infrastructure projects such as the Ado-Ekiti flyover as essential for managing future urban growth.
Governor Oyebanji expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support, acknowledging his role in facilitating development initiatives in Ekiti State.
Various stakeholders, including the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, and Joint Negotiating Council, commended the governor’s efforts to improve the welfare of workers and pensioners.
The event was attended by government officials, including the Secretary to the State Government, Head of Service, members of the state executive council, and permanent secretaries.