Kwara Earmarks N8.1bn for State, Local Govt Staff Gratuities 

Hammed Shittu in Ilorin 

Kwara state government has earmarked N8.1 billion for payment of gratuities for retired state and local government staff.

The state Commissioner for Finance, Dr Hawa Nuhu, disclosed this at the third quarter inter-ministerial briefing by the state government organised by the state’s Ministry of Communications in Ilorin.

She disclosed that N5.6 billion will be disbursed to state retired staff for gratuities, while N2.5 billion has been earmarked for local government retired staff for their gratuities.

She explained that pensions and gratuities have tripled due to the implementation of two salaries and wages, N30,000 and N70,000 minimum wages, with their consequential adjustment for retirees.

She asserted that the state government is not owing any local government retiree except those who refused to show up during the verification exercise conducted at all the 16 local councils in the state.

She said, “Those complaining are few and they need to come forward and complete their verification exercise and collect their money.”

On his part, the Commissioner for Transportation, Lafia Aliyu Kora Sabi, said the ministry has beefed up safety and security, including introduction of colour codes for transport operators for proper identification and commuter safety.

In her presentation, Commissioner for Social Welfare and Development, Dr Mariam Imam Nnafatima, said over 200 street beggars evacuated from the streets in Ilorin the state capital have been repatriated to their respective home states.