Oyo State pays gratuities to 8,545 pensioners in six years, with Makinde’s government increasing monthly payments from ₦100m to ₦1bn to clear backlogs
Oyo State pays gratuities to pensioners as over 8,545 retirees have received their entitlements in the last six years, thanks to a strategic financial policy under Governor Seyi Makinde.
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This was confirmed by the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Salihu Adelabu, during a televised interview in Ibadan on Friday.
He said the milestone was made possible after the state government increased monthly gratuity payments from ₦100 million to ₦1 billion, dramatically improving the speed and volume of disbursements.
“A total of 1,906 pensioners have received full gratuities this year alone. Between May and August, about 1,500 retirees with gratuities ranging between ₦1 million and ₦3.5 million were fully paid,” Adelabu explained.
According to him, this initiative aligns with the administration’s broader goal to settle all outstanding pension arrears before the end of its tenure.
He added that the ₦80,000 minimum wage also contributed to enhancing pension calculations, especially for those who retired after July 2024.
A recomputation of entitlements was conducted to ensure fair and consistent benefits across the board.
“The Governor has assured us that no backlog will be left behind.
The welfare of our pensioners remains a top priority of this government,” Adelabu stated.
In a related statement earlier this year, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, confirmed that Oyo State now spends more than ₦1 billion monthly on gratuities alone.
He noted that Oyo pensioners are among the highest paid in Nigeria, enjoying parity in welfare with active civil servants.
“Pensioners in Oyo State are the envy of their colleagues across the federation,” said Oyelade. “They receive the same attention as workers, and their wages rise in step with government employees.”
Since Governor Makinde took office in 2019, the state has consistently paid pensions and gratuities without default, reinforcing its reputation for fiscal discipline and social responsibility.
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This consistent payout of entitlements reflects the administration’s compassionate governance and commitment to honouring public service veterans, many of whom had waited years for their rightful compensation.
