Oyo Pays Gratuities to Over 8,500 Pensioners

The Oyo State Government announced on Friday that it has paid gratuities to over 8,545 pensioners within the last six years.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Salihu Adelabu, during a live television appearance in Ibadan, the state capital.

Adelabu explained that the significant progress was achieved after the current administration, led by Governor Seyi Makinde, increased the monthly gratuity allocation from 100 million naira to 1 billion naira.

He said this bold move accelerated the clearance of outstanding gratuities, allowing more retirees to receive their entitlements in a timely manner.

“The implementation of the 80,000 naira minimum wage has positively impacted pensioners’ benefits. The recomputation exercises carried out for those who retired as recently as July last year up until now have ensured fair and improved payments, thereby easing the lives of our retirees,” Adelabu said.

He further revealed that a total of 1,906 pensioners have received their full gratuities this year. Between May and August alone, about 1,500 retirees—particularly those with gratuities ranging from 1 million naira to 3.5 million naira—were fully settled.

“So far, over 8,545 pensioners have received their gratuities within the last six years,” he stated.

Adelabu also assured pensioners that Governor Makinde remains fully committed to their welfare. He emphasized that the present administration is determined to clear all outstanding gratuities before the end of its tenure.

“The Governor has assured us that no backlog will be left behind. The welfare of our pensioners remains a top priority of this government,” he added.

Meanwhile, on May 30, 2025, the state government confirmed that it pays more than 1 billion naira every month to cover pensioners’ gratuities.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said pensioners in Oyo State receive better treatment than their counterparts in other states.

According to him, Governor Makinde has consistently paid pensions and gratuities without default since assuming office in 2019.

“Pensioners in Oyo State are the envy of their colleagues across the country. This is not only because they receive equal welfare attention as active civil servants, but also because their pensions and benefits increase in line with those of serving government workers,” Oyelade stated.

Source: Punch