By Yunusa Isa, Gombe
Gombe State Government has approved the payment of over five billion Naira backlog gratuities for the state and local government retirees.
This was disclosed by state’s Commissioner for Information, Culture and Ethical Orientation Mijinyawa Ardo tilde during a press briefing on the outcome of 36th State Executive Council Meeting presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya at the Government House.
Speaking further, the State’s Commissioner of Finance and Economic Development Muhammadu Gambo Magaji, said out of the amount, the council has approved 2.291 billion Naira for payment of backlogs gratuity for the state government retirees.
Gambo Magaji said being the fifth payment since assumption of Governor Inuwa Yahaya into office, the approval showcased the state government’s commitments to the welfare of retirees.
He added that the council has also approved the sum of 358 million Naira for compensation to property owners at the then proposed International Market along Yemi Osinbajo Road, on which a Three Arm Zone comprising of State Secretariat, State High Court and House of Assembly complexes would be sited.
He said another 332 million Naira was approved for payment of compensation to property owners at Bauchi and Dukku Motor Parks, before their onward relocation to the already completed Mega Park.
On his part, the Commissioner for Local Governments and Community Development Abdulƙadir Muhammad Waziri, said the council has approved 3 billion Naira for payment of gratuity backlogs to local government retirees, from 2016-2022 depending on the capacity of each local government.
He said the council has also approved the renovation of some local government secretariats, palaces of traditional leaders, construction of some feeder roads as well as the provision of solar street lights.
He said the projects will be financed through the State and Local Governments Joint Agency, where the local governments would provide 85 percent, while the state government will contribute 15 percent of the total amount.