Delta State Governor Releases N10 Billion For Payment Of Pension Arrears

By Suleiman Anyalewechi

Reprieve on Tuesday August 19,2025 came the way of retired civil/public servants in Delta state with the release of the sum of N 10 billion by the state Governor Sheriff Oborevwori,for the payment of their arrears and gratuities.

Governor Oborevwori who disclosed the gesture at a meeting with officials of the state’s Pensions Board led by its chairman Edwin Ogidi-Gbedgaje , and the Chairman of the Association of Contributory Retires ,Comrade Anthony Ozu  Osanekwu, explained that the gesture is line with his administration’s policy of decisively addressing  the lingering issues  of the welfare of the senior citizens.

The Governor  informed that it has been his intention to resolve the issues of  the payment of backlogs of pensions and migration under the contributory pension scheme for retired civil servants in the state .

This is as he noted that ,his administration has since inception paid out a total.of N 36.4 billion.in pension arrears..

According to Governor Oborevwori ,the Delta state Government spends a  monthly sum of N 1.4 billion  on payment of pensions to the state retired civil servants.

He noted that although the pension arrears were incurred by previous administrations ,he has prioritized their settlements owing to his conviction that retirees welfare remains paramount.

” Our retirees are men and women who gave their best years in service to the state . It is only fair that they receive what is duly owed to them and under my watch ,their welfare will remain a top priority” Gov Oborevwori stated.

To ensure transparency and accountability in the payment process of the pension arrears , the Governor announced the establishment of a Committee to supervise the exercise .

He emphasized the need for the Committee members to adhere strictly to principles of transparency and accountability.

While appreciating the Governor for the rare gesture, the head of the state’s Pensions Board , Ogidi-Gbedgaje , expressed the conference that the N10 billion approved would go a long way providing relief for the Pensioners.

This is just as he assured that the funds will be judiciously applied to the set goals ,with greater emphasis on fairness , transparency and accountability.