The Oyo State Government says more than 8,545 pensioners have received their gratuities over the past six years, following reforms under Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration.
The Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Salihu Adelabu, disclosed this during a live programme in Ibadan on Friday. He attributed the progress to the government’s decision to raise monthly gratuity allocations from ₦100 million to ₦1 billion.
Adelabu explained that the increase accelerated the clearance of outstanding payments and ensured retirees received their entitlements more promptly. He added that the implementation of the ₦80,000 minimum wage also improved pension benefits, supported by recomputation exercises to ensure fairer payments.
“So far this year, 1,906 pensioners have received their full gratuities,” Adelabu said. “Between May and August alone, about 1,500 retirees, particularly those with entitlements between ₦1 million and ₦3.5 million, were settled. In total, more than 8,545 pensioners have benefited within the last six years.”
He assured retirees that the government plans 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,” he said.
On May 30, the Commissioner for Information, Dotun Oyelade, said the state spends more than ₦1 billion monthly on gratuities. He added that Oyo pensioners receive higher benefits compared to their counterparts in other states.
“Pensioners in Oyo State are the envy of their colleagues in all other states,” Oyelade said. “They enjoy equal welfare attention as active civil servants, with pensions and wages rising in line with those of government workers.”
Officials stressed that the administration’s approach is aimed not only at clearing backlogs but also at strengthening confidence in the state’s pension system and securing long-term welfare for retirees.
