Governor Rev. Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Alia of Benue State has raised hope among retired civil servants, assuring that all outstanding pensions and gratuities owed from 2023 to 2025 will be cleared before the end of January 2026.
This was contained in a press statement issued on Sunday by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Tersoo Kula, and made available to journalists in Makurdi.
The governor stressed that his administration has consistently prioritised the welfare of civil servants, noting that salaries, pensions and gratuities have been paid without interruption since he assumed office.
“We have been paying gratuities because I take the welfare of my staff and all civil servants very seriously. In the last two and a half years, I have never missed the payment of salaries and pensions, including gratuities,” he said.
Alia explained that earlier efforts focused on settling approved arrears, adding that the government is now taking deliberate steps to ensure all retirees under his administration receive their entitlements promptly.
“For those within the last two and a half years who have not received their gratuities, they will receive them in a matter of days. All gratuities within this period will be paid,” the governor assured.
He further noted that payment of other outstanding pension and salary arrears would continue based on the state’s financial inflows, reiterating his administration’s commitment to maintaining a healthy financial balance while meeting workers’ obligations.
“I have no reason not to pay civil servants. They work for the state, and this is the only livelihood they know. That is why we do this very deliberately and diligently,” he added.
Speaking on the ongoing nationwide strike by resident doctors, the governor called for dialogue and negotiation, describing them as the most effective means of resolving labour disputes.
He acknowledged that the doctors’ grievances might be legitimate, including pending obligations inherited from previous administrations, stressing that governance is a continuum and such responsibilities must be honoured.
Alia expressed concern that resident doctors in Benue State may have joined the strike mainly because it is a nationwide action, warning that the disruption of medical services poses serious risks to families and communities.
“When you lose one person in the state, it is one too many. It haunts you,” he said, urging the doctors to consider the humanitarian consequences of the strike.
Describing medical practice as a special calling, the governor commended resident doctors and other health workers for their sacrifices and appealed for a reconsideration of the strike in the interest of saving lives.
He also noted that the Federal Government is actively engaging stakeholders to address the concerns raised by the striking doctors.