“I’ve Cleared 7 Years of Gratuity, Pension Arrears” — Soludo

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has announced the full settlement of seven years’ worth of gratuity and pension arrears owed to retirees, a liability inherited from the administration of his predecessor, Chief Willie Obiano. Addressing workers during the 2025 May Day celebration at Alex Ekwueme Square in Awka, Soludo reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the welfare of workers, despite ongoing economic challenges.

He stated that his administration has cleared all outstanding gratuities and has paid pension arrears for the years 2018, 2019, and 2020, leaving only 2021, which he assured would be addressed soon. According to the governor, the pension backlog amounted to ₦14 billion. He emphasized that only cases with unresolved documentation issues remain unpaid.

Soludo highlighted his administration’s focus on transparency, fiscal discipline, and improved working conditions. He described the commitment to worker welfare not just as a government policy but a moral obligation.

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Chairman in Anambra, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor, praised the administration for its strides in addressing pension debts but urged faster implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme based on recommendations by the Joint Committee on Pension Reform. He also called for the payment of the 17.5% peculiarity allowance owed to non-teaching staff under the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board and those in post-primary institutions, pushing for parity with the 27.5% already granted to teachers.

Nwafor further demanded the immediate implementation of the Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure (CONJUSS) and the Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS), along with better training opportunities, enhanced welfare, and improved security for all workers.