Abia Begins Payment Of N61.8bn Gratuity Arrears, Resolves ASUU Dispute — Okey Kanu

The Abia State Government has commenced the payment of outstanding gratuities owed to retired state and local government workers and resolved the issues that triggered the recent industrial action by the Academic Staff Union of Universities, Abia State University, Uturu chapter.

The developments were disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, in a statement shared on his Facebook page.

According to Kanu, the gratuity payment represents part of the administration’s efforts to address inherited liabilities and improve the welfare of workers and retirees across the state.

He said the outstanding gratuity liability stood at N61.8 billion, covering arrears accumulated between 2001 and 2025.

Kanu explained that the figure was established following a comprehensive review and validation exercise conducted by the Gratuity Committee constituted by the present administration.

The committee examined records from the Abia State Pensions Board and Local Government Pensions Board to determine the actual outstanding obligations and develop a sustainable payment framework.

The review showed that N7.2 billion accrued between 2001 and 2010, while N43.6 billion accumulated between 2011 and May 29, 2023. A further N10.9 billion accrued from May 30, 2023, bringing the total liability to N61.8 billion.

According to the commissioner, the government recognises that a liability accumulated over 24 years cannot realistically be cleared within the first few years of a single administration.

However, he said Governor Alex Otti had chosen to confront the challenge through a structured and sustainable approach rather than allow the arrears to persist.

Kanu said gratuity payments from 2026 to 2031 would be incorporated into the state’s Medium-Term Expenditure Framework and annual budgets to provide a predictable pathway for clearing the backlog while preventing the accumulation of fresh arrears.

He added that the payment system would be technology-driven, transparent and monitored, with verified beneficiaries receiving their payments directly through a dedicated gratuity payment platform linked to the state’s Treasury Single Account.

Biometric verification would also be used to prevent duplication and fraudulent claims, while older outstanding obligations would be prioritised.

Kanu disclosed that the process had already moved beyond planning, with some verified beneficiaries receiving their final gratuity payments.

Retirees and beneficiaries seeking assistance or clarification can contact the Abia State Citizens Contact Centre on 0800-000-0232 between 8am and 4pm on working days or email contactcenter@abiastate.gov.ng.

Otti Resolves ASUU Dispute

The commissioner also announced the resolution of the issues that led to the recent industrial action by ASUU, Abia State University chapter.

According to Kanu, the dispute centred largely on staff welfare, including outstanding check-off dues and salary-related matters.

He said Governor Otti had approved the necessary welfare measures as far back as April 2026, but administrative processes delayed implementation.

Following the industrial action, the governor directed a committee led by the Secretary to the State Government to resolve all outstanding issues within 48 hours.

Kanu said the intervention had produced results, with outstanding check-off dues paid and a new salary scale incorporating relevant academic, teaching and related allowances processed for payment alongside the August 2026 salary.

He added that a new salary scale for other categories of staff at Abia State University had also been processed and would reflect in their August salaries.

The commissioner said the resolution of the issues had paved the way for the restoration and continuation of normal academic activities at the university.

Kanu said the two developments reflected the Otti administration’s approach to governance, particularly its commitment to confronting inherited challenges, improving workers’ welfare and resolving disputes through dialogue and constructive engagement.