Enugu Gov inaugurates Committee to clear pensions, gratuities

Enugu State Governor, Peter Mbah, on Wednesday, took a step to alleviate the impact of subsidy removal and enhance the well-being of vulnerable citizens by establishing a Committee for the Verification and Payment of Outstanding Pensions and Gratuities.

The seven-member committee, led by Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, Secretary to the State Government, includes officials such as Kenneth Ugwu, Head of Service, Mr. Anthony Okenwa, State Accountant-General, and Prof. Obiamaka Egbo, Special Adviser on Public Finance Management.

Other members comprise Comrade Ben Asogwa, State Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Comrade Fabian Nwigbo, State Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, and Comrade Ezekiel Omeh, Chairman of Public Service Joint Negotiating Council.

Governor Mbah inaugurated the committee at the Enugu Government House, emphasizing his commitment to fulfill campaign promises by clearing pension and gratuity arrears.

He highlighted that addressing these financial obligations, along with regular monthly salary payments, would inject a substantial amount of money into the state’s economy each month.

The governor stressed the importance of aiding vulnerable individuals, especially in light of recent subsidy removal, and outlined the committee’s responsibilities, including verifying pension arrears, gratuities, and timely payments based on retirement dates.

The government’s goal is to improve the quality of life for retirees and combat poverty in the state.

Additionally, a separate palliative committee was inaugurated to manage the procurement, storage, and distribution of relief measures for vulnerable members of society impacted by the subsidy removal.