By Julius Nsikak
Thousands of pensioners and retired civil servants in Akwa Ibom State may be breathing easier as Governor Umo Eno says his administration has paid over N83 billion from the backlog of gratuities and unpaid entitlements owed since 2012.
The Governor made the disclosure, Friday, 29th May 2026, during his third anniversary address at Government House, Uyo, describing the payment of retirees’ benefits as one of the most emotional and people centred interventions of his administration.
According to him, the government inherited a backlog of about N111 billion in gratuities and related emoluments when he assumed office in 2023.
“When we came in, we met a backlog of N111bn in gratuities and other emoluments since 2012. Today, we have paid over N83 billion of the backlogs and remain firm and committed to liquidating the entire backlog before the end of our first term in office,” the Governor stated.
For many retired workers across the state, delayed gratuities had for years represented hardship, uncertainty and dependence on relatives despite decades spent in public service.
The governor said his administration considered the settlement of the backlog a moral responsibility aimed at restoring dignity and confidence among elderly citizens who had served the state.
Beyond gratuities, Governor Eno said the administration had expanded social intervention programmes through grants and empowerment schemes targeted at youths, farmers and small business owners.
He disclosed that over N6 billion had so far been disbursed as business grants, while youths trained through the Ibom Leadership and Entrepreneurial Development Centre and the Dakkada Skills Acquisition Centre received start up support worth N750,000 each.
The governor also announced that Youth Development Centres would be established across the 31 local government areas to train young people in digital enterprise, fashion, e-commerce and creative skills.
Eno used the anniversary address to reaffirm his commitment to what he described as compassionate and inclusive governance, insisting that government must directly impact ordinary citizens and vulnerable groups.
