The Kwara State Government has allocated N8.1 billion for the payment of gratuities to retired state and local government employees.
The Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hawa Nuhu, revealed this during the third quarter inter-ministerial briefing organized by the Ministry of Communications in Ilorin.
She stated that N5.6 billion would be disbursed to retired state staff as gratuities, while N2.5 billion has been set aside for retired local government staff.
Dr. Nuhu explained that pension and gratuity payments had tripled due to the implementation of the two salary structures — N30,000 and N70,000 minimum wages — and their consequential adjustments for retirees.
She maintained that the state government owed no local government retiree, except those who failed to participate in the verification exercise conducted across the 16 local councils of the state.
She said, “Those complaining are few and they need to come forward and complete their verification exercise and collect their money.”
Speaking during the briefing, the Commissioner for Transportation, Lafia Aliyu Kora Sabi, said the ministry had strengthened safety and security measures, including introducing colour codes for transport operators to ensure proper identification and commuter safety.
Also, the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Development, Dr. Mariam Imam Nnafatima, disclosed that over 200 street beggars evacuated from Ilorin, the state capital, had been repatriated to their various home states.
