Amosun Offsets N12.5bn Workers Gratuities

Ogun State governor, Ibikunle Amosun, has released the sum of N12.5 billion for the payment of a backlog of gratuities of 2,429 retirees, workers deductions and severance allowances for political appointees who served the state between 2007 and 2015.The governor also released December salaries, with 10 per cent bonus approved for both state and local government employees.The secretary to the state government (SSG), Barr Taiwo Adeoluwa, who disclosed this yesterday, at a press conference held at the Governors Office press centre, said the fund would cover six months arrears of workers deductions out of 12 months being owed, and also take care of gratuities for pensioners from November 2012 to January 2014.According to Adeoluwa, N5.5 billion would be for the payment of the six months deductions, N6 billion for the payment of two-year gratuities and N1 billion for the immediate payment of the balance of the severance allowances to political appointees who served in the administration of the immediate past government, between 2007 and 2015.The SSG further noted that the sum of N10.6 billion was received from the federal government as part of the states share of Paris Club refund, while the balance of N1.9 billion was sourced from savings by the state government.He added that though the federal government had directed the states to set aside 50 per cent of the fund for workers emoluments and 50 per cent be used for projects, the Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration used the entire N10.6 billion to settle workers emoluments because of its commitment to the welfare of public and civil servants in Ogun State.He said, In spite of the economic recession, Ogun State government has commenced the payment of December salaries and approved bonus for December. And to intervene in the socio-economic development of our people, N12.6 billion has been released for the payment of arrears of workers deductions and gratuities.Adeoluwa assured that the state government would offset the remaining arrears of deductions and gratuities as soon as money is available.
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