Sokoto Grapples With N14b Unpaid Gratuities, Set To Release N4Billion

By Ayodele Oni

Sokoto State Governor, Ahmed Aliyu has revealed that he inherited N14 billion in accumulated gratuities from the previous administration.

The Governor, pointed out that retirees have not been paid from 2015 till date.

Governor Aliyu has, therefore, directed the release of N500 million every month to offset payment of gratuities in the State.

The directive came shortly after the presentation of report on the verification of unpaid gratuities between 2015 and 2023.

According to the report, the State has N14 billion in accumulated gratuities as no payment has been made since 2015.

The report added that about 5,000 retired workers await gratuities out of which over 900 were deceased.

Receiving the report, Aliyu noted that, the sum of N4 billion would be released for the payment of gratuities before the end of the year.

He further explained that the sum of N500 million would be released every month beginning from May, 29.

“This is to put smile on the faces of our retired civil servants and their families.

“So the claim of the immediate past Governor, Aminu Tambuwal is however found to be untruth and misleading.

“Because up till now there was no a single record available showing that our retirees were paid between 2015 and 2023.

“As I received this report, I hereby direct the release of the sum of four billion Naira for this year to offset the backlog of accumulated gratuities.

“The sum of N500 million will be paid monthly beginning from this month. I want to appeal to the beneficiaries to utilize the money in a manner it would be beneficial to their respective families.”