Abia pensioners demand publication of gratuity payment beneficiaries, amount paid

The Abia Pensioners’ Forum has raised concerns over alleged delays and short payment of entitlements by the Abia State government, following the recent commencement of payment of gratuities to retired workers.

The Forum also advised the state government to publish the names and amounts already paid to 2001-2010 gratuities beneficiaries, as contained in their authorization letters.

In a statement dated September 21, 2026, signed by its Coordinator, Okey Kanu, and Secretary, Emma Onyenyiri, the Forum said it appreciates Governor Alex Otti for summoning the political will to begin payment for those who retired between 2001 and 2010.

However, the Forum alleged that information from its members in the batch indicates that more than half of them had not been paid one month after commencement, while those paid received less than their full entitlement, with some recording shortfalls of over N100,000.

It also alleged that the desk office established by government to receive complaints from pensioners in the 2001-2010 batch is not functional, leaving elderly pensioners being tossed between the Office of the Head of Service and the Office of the Accountant-General.

The Forum further questioned statements credited to the commissioner for information that disbursement would be gradual and in tranches, asking whether the N10 billion allegedly earmarked for the 2001-2010 batch was insufficient.

It warned against any plan to stretch the gratuity payment to 2031, noting that staggered payment creates uncertainty, erodes value, and could mean many pensioners may not live to receive their benefits.

The Abia Pensioners Forum recalled Governor Otti’s open letter to former Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in 2018 where he lamented deaths of pensioners over unpaid benefits.

Citing improved federal allocations following fuel subsidy removal, the Forum said government has enough resources to pay at once, noting that Anambra State paid N32 billion in retirement benefits in 2007.

The pensioners urged Governor Otti to show empathy and pay up promptly, quoting religious books and verses earlier cited by the governor in his 2018 letter.