Benue State Governor, Hyacinth Alia, has assured pensioners in the state that all outstanding pensions and gratuities accrued within the last two and a half years will be cleared before the end of January 2026.

The governor gave the assurance on Sunday while speaking with journalists after an interdenominational church service at Deeper Life Bible Church, High Level, Makurdi, held to mark the 2026 Armed Forces Celebration and Remembrance Day.

His assurance followed a 14-day ultimatum issued by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) in Benue State, threatening a two-day peaceful protest in Makurdi over unpaid pension arrears, gratuities and the non-harmonisation of pensions.

Alia said his administration has consistently prioritised the welfare of civil servants and retirees since assuming office, stressing that salaries, pensions and gratuities have been paid regularly.

“We have been paying gratuities because I take the welfare of my staff and all civil servants very seriously. In the last two and a half years, I have never missed the payment of salaries and pensions, including gratuities,” he said.

He explained that while attention was initially focused on clearing approved arrears, deliberate efforts were being made to ensure that all retirees within the period of his administration receive their entitlements.

“For those within the last two and a half years who have not received their gratuities, they will receive them in a matter of days. All gratuities within this period will be paid,” the governor assured.

Alia added that payment of other outstanding pension and salary arrears would continue in line with available financial inflows, noting that his government remains committed to meeting its obligations to workers while maintaining financial stability.

“I have no reason not to pay civil servants. They work for the state, and this is the only livelihood they know. That is why we do this deliberately and diligently,” he added. (Daily Trust)