Ondo clears N12bn gratuities for LG retirees

The Ondo State Government has announced the payment of N12 billion in gratuities to retired workers across the state’s 18 local government areas.

The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Amidu Takuro, disclosed this in Akure on Friday while briefing journalists.

Takuro explained that the payments, which began under Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa’s administration, covered gratuities owed from 2010 to 2014. He added that the government remains committed to clearing the remaining backlog.

According to him, the funds were sourced from savings made for local governments, as agreed at the State Joint Allocation Account Committee meeting.

“Over N10 to N12 billion has been spent on gratuities for local government pensioners who served meritoriously,” Takuro said. “Many of them retired 10 to 15 years ago without receiving their benefits. Government is continuous, and although the failure wasn’t under our administration, it is our duty to ensure retirees get what they are entitled to so they can begin a new life.”