Benue State Governor, 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 cleared before the end of January 2026.
Governor Alia gave the assurance on Sunday while speaking with journalists after an interdenominational church service held in Makurdi to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.
He said his administration has placed a high premium on the welfare of civil servants, stressing that salaries, pensions, and gratuities have been paid consistently since he assumed office.
“We’ve been paying gratuities because I’ve taken 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 and pensions, including gratuities,” the governor said.
According to him, although priority was initially given to clearing already approved arrears, deliberate steps are now being taken to ensure that all retirees within the period of his administration receive their full entitlements.
“For those within the last two and a half years who have not received their gratuities, they will receive them in a matter of days. All gratuities within this period will be paid,” he assured.
Governor Alia added that payment of other outstanding pension and salary arrears would continue in line with available financial inflows, noting that his government remains committed 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 said.
On the ongoing nationwide strike by resident doctors, the governor called for dialogue and negotiation, describing peaceful engagement as the most effective way to resolve labour disputes.
He acknowledged that some of the issues raised may be genuine, including unfulfilled commitments by previous administrations, which he said must be honoured since government is a continuum.
He expressed confidence that resident doctors in Benue State would not have joined the strike but for its national spread, warning that the disruption of medical 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 special vocation, Governor Alia 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, adding that the Federal Government is working round the clock to address the issues raised.
