By Steve Oko

UMUAHIA — The Foundation for Environmental Rights Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has commended Abia State Governor, Dr Alex Otti, for commencing payment of outstanding gratuities to retired workers in the state.

The organisation described the move as a welcome relief for pensioners who have waited for years to receive their entitlements.

In a statement by its Executive Director, Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, FENRAD said the state government’s identification of about N61.8 billion in outstanding gratuity liabilities covering state and local government retirees from 2001 to 2025 underscored the magnitude of the challenge.

The group, however, urged the government to ensure that the payment process was transparent, accountable and free from political interference.

FENRAD called for the publication of payment schedules, regular disclosure of funds released and disbursed, the number of beneficiaries paid and the outstanding balance.

It also urged the government to prioritise retirees who had waited the longest and establish an effective complaints mechanism for beneficiaries affected by omissions or payment failures.

The organisation stressed that gratuity was a right and not a favour, warning that retirees should not require political connections or personal influence to access legitimate entitlements.

“Gratuity is a right, not a favour,” the group said.

FENRAD further urged the state government to establish a sustainable system for paying retirement benefits promptly and preventing the accumulation of fresh arrears.

According to the organisation, the success of the initiative would ultimately be measured not by government announcements but by the actual receipt of funds by retirees.

It said every verified beneficiary should receive what was due to them, while every naira released for the exercise should be properly accounted for and traceable.