The Ondo State Government has announced the payment of ₦12 billion in gratuities to retired workers across the state’s 18 local government areas.

The disclosure was made by the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Amidu Takuro, during a press briefing held in his office in Akure, the state capital, on Friday.

According to Takuro, the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa began clearing outstanding gratuities dating back to 2010–2014, with a commitment to settle the remaining arrears soon. He explained that the payments were made possible through savings accumulated for the local governments, following resolutions reached at the State Joint Allocation Account Committee meeting.

Speaking further, the commissioner stated:

“We have spent between ₦10 billion and ₦12 billion on the payment of gratuities to local government pensioners. These individuals served the state diligently and had been waiting for their entitlements for many years. Although the backlog was not created by our administration, government remains a continuous process.”

He emphasized that Governor Aiyedatiwa prioritized the welfare of retirees, ensuring that funds were specifically saved to settle their benefits and give them a better post-retirement life.

“The governor emphasized the need for collective action, stating that discussions at the JAAC meeting were essential before any funds could be allocated for this purpose. He noted that without consensus, no deductions could be made to support the initiative.

Takuro reiterated that the Aiyedatiwa administration remains fully committed to advancing President Bola Tinubu’s vision for grassroots development. He explained that various projects have already been implemented across Ondo State’s 18 local government areas in alignment with this goal.

According to him, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa is determined to promote the President’s grassroots development agenda, recognizing that progress at the local level is crucial for overall growth. “The grassroots are the backbone of the economy — they provide food and essential resources,” he said. “By improving living conditions in these communities, we can reduce rural-urban migration, which is one of the key factors contributing to food scarcity.”

He added that the administration’s priority is to make rural areas more livable by providing necessary social amenities, ensuring that residents can thrive in their communities without feeling compelled to move to urban centers.

Meanwhile, the payment of gratuities and pensions remains a persistent challenge in many Nigerian states, including Ondo, where successive governments have struggled to clear accumulated arrears owed to retired civil servants.

Gratuities, unlike pensions, are one-time payments designed to support workers immediately after retirement and ease their transition into post-service life.

However, due to financial limitations, inadequate planning, and competing governance demands, many retirees across the country continue to experience prolonged delays in receiving their benefits.”