By Oso Abidemi
Governor Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has assured retirees that all outstanding pensions and gratuities accrued over the last two and a half years will be fully paid before the end of January.
The governor gave the assurance while speaking with journalists after the interdenominational church service marking the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day in Makurdi.
He emphasised that his administration has prioritised the welfare of civil servants, maintaining consistent payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities since assuming office.
“We’ve been paying gratuities because I’ve taken the welfare of my staff very seriously. In the last two and a half years, I have never missed the payment of salaries and pensions, including gratuities,” Alia said.
He added that while initial efforts focused on clearing approved arrears, deliberate steps are now underway to ensure all retirees within his tenure receive their entitlements.
Payment of other outstanding pension and salary arrears will continue as financial inflows permit.
Alia also addressed the ongoing nationwide strike by resident doctors, urging dialogue and negotiation to resolve the dispute.
He acknowledged that some grievances may be legitimate, including pending obligations from previous administrations, but stressed the humanitarian risks of prolonged industrial action.
“When you lose one person in the state, it is one too many. It haunts you,” he said, appealing to doctors to reconsider the strike and prioritise saving lives.
The governor commended health workers for their dedication and expressed confidence that the impasse would soon be resolved, noting that the Federal Government is actively working to address the issues raised.
Sir Tersoo Kula, the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, confirmed the statements in a release.
