Bauchi APC Youths Demand Transparency Over N10bn Gratuity Payment

The Bauchi APC Youth Ambassadors have welcomed the Bauchi State Government’s proposed allocation of N10 billion to clear part of the outstanding gratuity arrears owed to retired civil servants, but demanded transparency on how the funds will be disbursed.

The coordinator of the group, Prince Mohammed Sani Hassan, made the call on Tuesday while speaking with journalists, describing the proposed payment as an important step towards addressing the prolonged financial hardship faced by pensioners and retired civil servants.

LEADERSHIP reports that Governor Bala Mohammed recently announced that his administration would release N10 billion towards the payment of outstanding gratuity arrears owed to pensioners in the state.

The governor said the allocation marked the beginning of efforts to reduce the accumulated debt, adding that if his administration could not clear the entire backlog before the end of its tenure, he expected the succeeding administration to continue the process.

Reacting to the announcement, however, the APC Youth Ambassadors said many retirees had endured years of hardship because of unpaid gratuities, while some had died without receiving benefits earned after decades of service.

Hassan said pensioners needed actual payment of their entitlements rather than repeated government announcements.

“Pensioners need payment, not just announcements,” he said.

The group therefore urged the state government to provide clear and verifiable details of the N10 billion allocation, including the date payment would commence, the number and categories of beneficiaries and the specific years of arrears to be covered.

It also called for disclosure of the state’s total outstanding gratuity liability, the mechanism for identifying and paying beneficiaries, and a long-term plan for clearing the remaining backlog.

“We also urge that the payment of pensioners’ entitlements must not be politicised or used as a campaign instrument. Gratuity is not a political favour; it is a legitimate entitlement earned through years of service,” Hassan said.

He urged relevant government institutions, pensioners’ associations, labour unions, civil society organisations and the media to monitor the exercise and ensure that every naira allocated reaches the rightful beneficiaries.

Hassan said the group’s demand for transparency should not be interpreted as political hostility, arguing that citizens and political organisations had a responsibility to demand accountability whenever public resources and citizens’ welfare were involved.

“The Bauchi APC Youth Ambassadors have pensioners and retired civil servants at heart. We will continue to stand with them, speak for them and support their legitimate demands.

“We will also continue to advocate for the payment of their outstanding entitlements because we recognise their sacrifices and the years they devoted to serving Bauchi State,” he said.

The group also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for what it described as bold economic reforms aimed at strengthening the economy, improving fiscal sustainability, increasing public revenue and expanding the financial capacity of governments at all levels.

It urged the Bauchi State Government to ensure that available resources translate into improved welfare, infrastructure, healthcare, education and employment opportunities, particularly the timely payment of workers’ and pensioners’ entitlements.

Hassan acknowledged that the federal government’s reforms had required difficult decisions and adjustments, but said their success should ultimately be measured by their impact on Nigerians’ living conditions and the ability of governments to meet their obligations to citizens.