Governor Alex Otti of Abia State says his administration will begin the gradual payment of verified gratuity and pension arrears owed since 2001. He said a joint committee of the government and the Nigerian Union of Pensioners has completed its review, confirming over ₦60 billion in outstanding claims.

Otti described the debt as a major inherited burden but assured pensioners that the state will not abandon them, adding that workers’ salaries are up to date and directed officials to immediately fix a payment glitch affecting newly recruited teachers.

The governor said the state’s teacher recruitment portal was reopened to fill 4,000 positions and received nearly 28,000 applications. He promised a transparent process, saying only qualified applicants would be selected. Recruitment of medical personnel is also near completion.

Otti highlighted recent ratings that placed Abia as the most prepared state for medical emergencies and among the most affordable in intra-city transport. He said newly acquired electric buses would soon be deployed to further cut transport costs. Road construction has also resumed across the state.

He reported major progress in land administration, noting that more than 30,000 Certificates of Occupancy have been issued since the launch of the “C-of-O in 30 Days” policy. He said revenue recovery is being enforced fairly, with due process applied to all debtors.

The governor said the state is improving schools, restoring accreditation for 24 courses at the State College of Education (Technical) and supporting projects at Abia State University and Dr Ogbonnaya Onu Polytechnic.

He also said allowances for NYSC members have been increased, and facilities at the Bende camp upgraded. The state is helping the Nigerian Correctional Service with new fencing and a larger holding area. Otti added that the government is reviewing cases to identify inmates eligible for pardon.

Source: Punch