Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced a significant increase in the monthly pensions and gratuities for retirees in the state and local governments.
Starting from July 25, 2024, the payments will rise from N456 million to N1 billion.
According to a report by Punch, this announcement was made by Makinde’s Special Adviser on Media, Suleiman Olanrewaju, during the 70th birthday celebration of Segun Abatan, the state Secretary of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners.
The event took place at the Pensioners’ House in Agbarigo, Ibadan.
Governor Makinde acknowledged that his administration inherited a large amount of unpaid pensions and gratuities.
Since taking office in 2019, his government has paid about N52 billion towards these obligations at both the state and local government levels.
He assured that his administration would work diligently to clear a significant portion of the outstanding payments, if not all, before his tenure ends in 2027.
In his speech, Makinde also praised Segun Abatan, calling him a dedicated leader who focuses on the welfare of pensioners.