By Ademola Akinyemi

The Kwara State government has spent over ₦30 billion on pensioners being outstanding gratuities inherited from previous administrations.

Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, said this in Ilorin while declaring open a three-day sensitization programme on the operation of the payroll system and strategic guide to seamless statutory compliance for labour unions and other key stakeholders. Nuru, emphasised that the present administration prioritizes the welfare of members of its workforce and retirees culminating in the timely payment of salaries and pensions and defraying of inherited salary and pension arrears among others.

The commissioner also noted the commitment of the government to the well-being of workers with the introduction of allowances aimed at mitigating the effects of the lingering economic realities.

According to her, “His Excellency, Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration has consistently prioritized the welfare of workers and pensioners. This is reflected in the regular payment of salaries and pensions, total settlement of inherited salary and pension arrears, and sustained efforts to clear outstanding gratuity liabilities over 30 billion has been spent towards clearing inherited gratuity liabilities.

“The administration has also implemented the ₦30,000 minimum wage and, subsequently, the ₦70,000 minimum wage, alongside consequential adjustments, and introduced a 30 percent Peculiar Allowance, bringing the effective minimum wage to approximately ₦91,000.

“The State has also implemented 100 percent CONMESS and CONHESS for eligible health-sector professionals. These interventions reflect a government that believes sound financial management must translate into improved welfare, dignity and opportunities for the people.

“At the same time, sustainable workers’ welfare requires strong systems, accurate personnel records, transparent payroll processes, proper verification, and continued cooperation between Government, workers, and organized labour. That is why this programme matters.

“At the end of these three days, all stakeholders should have a clearer overview understanding of how salaries are prepared; the institutions and officers involved; the information and inputs required; statutory deductions; and the procedures that must be completed before salaries are approved for payment. Greater understanding will strengthen communication, promote cooperation and further deepen trust.

“The AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq administration remains committed to constructive engagement and an open relationship with organised labour. We believe that sustained dialogue and mutual understanding are essential to addressing concerns and achieving our shared objectives,” the commissioner said. She added that the implementation of allowances for workforce has manifested in the upward review of monthly take home of the state employees.

In his remark at the event, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Finance, Mallam AbdulRazaq Folorunsho, expressed readiness of the state government to dialogue with the labour unions on issues affecting members of the workforce.

Also speaking, the state Accountant General, Mallam Abdulganiyu Sanni, said the event was convened to acquaint labour leaders on the processes required on the payment of salaries for workers and clear misconception surrounding the engagement of a consultant for the payment of salaries.

In his remarks, the state Secretary of the Joint Negotiating Council (JNC), Tunde Joseph, urged the state government to introduce new incentive for workers in form of an allowance to neutralize the economic hardship citizens have been thrown into arising from the government policies.

He, however, applauded the government for initiating the workshop with labour leaders in attendance, saying that the initiative would help in conflict prevention between the government and organized labour and guarantee industrial harmony in the long run.

The workshop was organised at the instance of the state Ministry of Finance and the office of the state Accountant General.