Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State has said that the state is witnessing tangible progress from the Federal Government’s decision to remove fuel subsidies, describing the policy as a turning point for economic recovery.
Speaking at a cheque presentation ceremony for retired civil servants in Gombe, Yahaya noted that the controversial reform, though initially painful, has started yielding results through increased federal allocations that empower states to execute more developmental projects.
According to the governor, Nigeria had no viable alternative to subsidy removal if the nation was to avert financial collapse and achieve long-term stability.
He commended President Bola Tinubu’s economic reforms, saying they have created new opportunities for growth and development across the federation.
“The removal of fuel subsidy has significantly boosted our revenue base, allowing us to undertake projects that directly impact the lives of our people,” Yahaya stated.
“These reforms are not without short-term pains, but the long-term benefits will justify the sacrifices being made today.”
Highlighting how the additional funds have been used, Yahaya revealed that his administration has been able to expand infrastructural development and social welfare initiatives across the state.
He stressed that such progress would have been impossible without the improved financial inflow from the Federation Account.
Turning to workers’ welfare, the governor announced the release of ₦8.2 billion for the payment of accumulated gratuities owed to retired workers at both state and local government levels.
He explained that ₦6.6 billion would go to 2,142 retirees from the state service, while ₦1.6 billion was earmarked for 1,062 retirees from local councils.
The payment, he said, covers arrears from 2021 to 2023 for state retirees, and a year’s backlog for those from local government areas, depending on individual circumstances.
“With this latest round of payments, our total gratuity disbursement since 2019 has reached an unprecedented ₦33.826 billion,” Yahaya disclosed.
“No administration in the history of Gombe has shown greater commitment to the welfare of its retirees.”
The governor reaffirmed his administration’s resolve to sustain financial discipline and ensure that the state’s resources are managed in ways that guarantee transparency and equitable growth.
He urged residents to remain patient with ongoing national reforms, assuring them that the sacrifices being made today would lay the foundation for a stronger and more prosperous Gombe State.