Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, has announced that the phased payment of pension gratuities owed to retired workers will commence in the coming weeks. He disclosed that his administration has earmarked over 10 billion in the 2026 budget to clear arrears accumulated over a 20-year period.
Speaking at the 2026 International Workers’ Day celebration held at the Umuahia Township Stadium on Friday, Governor Otti said modalities for the disbursement had been finalized, adding that verification of claims would continue alongside payments.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu, described labour as the foundation of human dignity and economic progress, stressing that every worker deserves fair reward for honest service.
He explained that the decision to begin gratuity payments reflects his administration’s resolve to correct past injustices without undermining present obligations.
“As I speak to you, sums in excess of 10 billion have been earmarked in the 2026 fiscal year for payment of gratuities accumulated over a 20-year period.
The modalities for the phased payment have since been concluded. In the weeks ahead, disbursement shall commence,” Otti declared.
The governor praised Abia workers for their resilience, commitment, and contributions to the success of the “New Abia” project, noting that the workforce remains central to the functioning of public institutions and the state economy.
He also reiterated his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare, capacity development, and improved workplace conditions. According to him, the government has continued to invest in office infrastructure, technology, furniture, and other tools aimed at boosting productivity and preserving the dignity of labour.
Otti further stated that his administration has cleared substantial salary arrears inherited from previous governments, emphasizing that labour without reward breeds disaffection and weakens economic growth.
Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Ginger Onwusibe, described Workers’ Day as a time for reflection rather than mere ceremony. He stressed that the dignity of labour must be matched with prompt payment of wages, provision of work tools, and respect for labour laws.
The Commissioner for Labour and Productivity, Mr. Kingsley Chibueze Nwokocha, commended workers for their vital role in governance and development, reaffirming the government’s commitment to welfare improvement, capacity building, and industrial harmony.
Also speaking, the Abia State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Okoro Ogbonnaya, lauded Governor Otti for what he described as “remarkable strides” in workers’ welfare. He cited the implementation of the 70,000 minimum wage, clearance of salary arrears, recruitment of over 10,000 teachers, and approval of 10 billion Naira for pension liabilities.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC), through its chairman, Comrade Ifeanyi Eze, called for a review of the minimum wage and urged the government to revive moribund industries such as Aba Textile Mill, Ceramics, and Golden Guinea Breweries to create jobs and boost the state’s economy.
Meanwhile, the State Controller of the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dr. Okpara Helen, represented by Mr. Uduneje Chikaodi, expressed concern over rising insecurity and poverty, describing both as major threats to decent work and sustainable livelihoods.
The event attracted a large turnout of workers, labour leaders, security agencies, and top government officials, underscoring both the gains recorded and the challenges that remain in the labour sector.
