GOV. ALIA PROMISES TO CLEAR OUTSTANDING PENSIONS AND GRATUITIES BEFORE END OF JANUARY 2026. By Raymond Enoch
The Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Hyacinth Alia, has assured senior citizens in the state that all outstanding pensions and gratuities accrued within the last two and a half years will be fully cleared before the end of January 2026.
In a statement signed by Sir Tersoo Kula Chief Press Secretary to Governor said that the gave he gave assurances today while speaking with journalists after an interdenominational church service held in Makurdi to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
He reiterated that the welfare of civil servants and retirees remains a top priority of his administration, stressing that salaries, pensions, and gratuities have been paid consistently since he assumed office.
“We have been paying gratuities because I take the welfare of my staff and all civil servants very seriously. In the last two and a half years, I have never missed the payment of salaries, pensions, and gratuities,” the governor stated.
He explained that although priority was initially given to clearing previously approved arrears, his government has now taken deliberate steps to ensure that all retirees who exited service during the period of his administration receive their full entitlements.
“For those within the last two and a half years who are yet to receive their gratuities, they will get them in a matter of days. “All gratuities within this period will be paid,” he assured.
Governor Alia further noted that payment of other outstanding pension and salary arrears would continue in line with available financial inflows, emphasizing his administration’s commitment to maintaining a healthy financial system while meeting its obligations to workers.
“I have no reason not to pay civil servants. They work for the state, and this is the only livelihood they know. That is why we do this very deliberately and diligently,” he added.
Commenting on the ongoing nationwide strike by resident doctors, the governor called for dialogue and negotiation, describing peaceful engagement as the most effective means of resolving labour disputes.
He acknowledged that the doctors’ agitation may stem from genuine concerns, including unresolved commitments inherited from previous administrations, noting that government is a continuum and such obligations must be honoured.
Governor Alia expressed confidence that resident doctors in Benue State would not have joined the strike but for its nationwide nature, warning that the disruption of healthcare services poses serious risks to families and communities.
“When you lose one person in the state, it is one too many. It haunts you,” he said, appealing to striking doctors to consider the humanitarian consequences of the action.
Describing medical practice as a noble and special vocation, the governor commended resident doctors and other health workers for their dedication and sacrifices, while urging them to reconsider the strike in the interest of saving lives.
He expressed optimism that the impasse would soon be resolved, disclosing that the Federal Government is working tirelessly to address the concerns raised by the doctors.
