Enugu State pensioners began receiving long‑overdue gratuities this weekend after Governor Peter Mbah fulfilled a campaign promise to clear legacy arrears dating back to the year 2000, with some payments extending to the military era. The disbursements, part of a N32 billion liability, were announced by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) and are being released in stages, starting with an initial N10 billion.
Ikechukwu Ekere, chairman of the Enugu State chapter of NUP, described the moment as “emotional” for retirees who had “long given up hope of receiving their gratuities in their lifetime.” He praised Governor Mbah as a “promise keeper” and thanked him for the payments that have begun to reach pensioners.
Kenneth Ugwueze, caretaker chairman of the NUP Local Government Staff Pensions Board Branch, told journalists that the payouts have restored hope and joy in many homes. He highlighted recent reforms in the local‑government pension system, noting that after a verification exercise completed in July 2024, no local‑government worker or primary‑school teacher who has retired has been denied a pension, and payments are now made “as and when due.”
“I put in 35 years in service. I had put everything in the hands of God because previous governors made empty promises. But Peter Mbah is an action governor and keeps his word,” said Luke Obi Ezea, who retired in 2014.
“He is a godly and listening governor… He is not owing monthly pensions. He is up to date,” said Sunday Nwadi, a 2015 retiree.
“When I broke the good news to my husband, he was so happy… He will eat the fruits of his labour in his lifetime,” said Susanna Emehelu, whose husband retired in 2013.
“The gratuity payment has restored life to my body after nearly 20 years of suffering,” said Paul Ozoeze, a 2010 retiree.
Accountant‑General Tony Okenwa recalled that Governor Mbah repeatedly insisted that no senior citizen should go to bed hungry. He said the State Executive Council, after several layers of verification, approved the N32 billion liability and that the governor has pledged to continue releases until the entire backlog is cleared. Enugu, a southeastern state of Nigeria, has thus seen a historic settlement of pension and gratuity arrears spanning more than two decades.
<small>Source: The Sun Nigeria — read the original story there.</small>
