Benue Governor Alia Promises to Clear 2023–2025 Pensions and Gratuities by January's End

Table of Contents

1. Governor's Assurance on Pensions and Gratuities
2. Commitment to Civil Servants
3. Response to Resident Doctors' Strike
4. Hope for Resolution

Governor of Benue State, Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia, has assured that all outstanding pensions and gratuities owed to retired civil servants from 2023 to 2025 will be settled before the end of January 2026.

This assurance was communicated in a press statement released on Sunday by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kula, and shared with journalists in Makurdi.

Governor Alia emphasized that his administration has continually prioritized the welfare of civil servants, ensuring that salaries, pensions, and gratuities have been paid consistently since he took office.

“We have been paying gratuities because I take the welfare of my staff and all civil servants very seriously,” he stated.

“In the past two and a half years, I have never missed a salary or pension payment, including gratuities,” he added.

He mentioned that while earlier efforts concentrated on settling approved arrears, the government is now implementing specific measures to ensure that all retirees under his administration receive their entitlements in a timely manner.

“For those who have not received their gratuities within the last two and a half years, they will receive them in a matter of days. All gratuities from this period will be paid,” the governor assured.

Alia further noted that payments of other outstanding pension and salary arrears will continue based on the state’s financial inflows.

He reiterated his administration’s commitment to maintaining a healthy financial flow while fulfilling obligations to workers.

“I have no reason not to pay civil servants. They work for the state, and this is their primary livelihood. That is why we approach this matter with care and diligence,” he stated.

In response to the ongoing nationwide strike by resident doctors, the governor called for dialogue and negotiation, emphasizing that conflict resolution is the most effective way to address labor disputes.

He acknowledged that the doctors’ grievances may be valid, including pending obligations left by previous governments, which he affirmed must be honored, emphasizing that governance is a continuum.

Governor Alia expressed his belief that resident doctors in Benue State would not have participated in the strike if it were not part of a nationwide protest. He highlighted the serious risks posed by the disruption of medical services to families and communities.

“When you lose one person in the state, it is one too many. It haunts you,” he said, urging striking doctors to consider the humanitarian consequences of their actions.

He described medical practice as a special calling and commended resident doctors and other health workers for their commitment and sacrifices, appealing for a reconsideration of the strike to save lives.

The governor remained optimistic that the dispute would be resolved soon, noting that the Federal Government is actively addressing the concerns raised by the striking doctors.

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Eze Chidiebere Paul

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