Ogun earmarks N12.5bn for workers, pensioners, political appointees
The Ogun state government, on Wednesday, said it has committed a sum of N12.5 billion for the payment of backlog of workers’ deductions, gratuities of 2,429 retirees and severance allowances for political appointees who served between 2007 and 2015. The Secretary to the State Government, Barrister Taiwo Adeoluwa, disclosed this during a press conference held at the Governor’s Office press centre, Abeokuta, Ogun state capital.
Barrister Adeoluwa, who said the money which was part of the N10.6billion Paris Club refund accrue to the state, is expected to cover six months arrears of workers deductions out of 12 months being owed and also take care of gratuities for pensioners from November 2012 and January 2014. Also released was December salaries, with 10% bonus approved for both state and local government employees. According to Adeoluwa, who was flanked by the state Commissioners of Finance and Information, Messrs. Wale Osinowo and Dayo Adeneye, at the press briefing, N5.5 billion would be for the payment of the 6 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 under the immediate past government between 2007 and 2015.
The SSG, said a sum of N10.6 billion had been received from the federal government as part of the state share of Paris Club refund, while the balance of N1.9billion was sourced from the savings by the state government. He added that though, the federal government directed the states to set aside 50% of the fund for workers emolument, while 50% should be used for projects, Senator Ibikunle Amosun-led administration used all the 10.6billion on workers emolument 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, N12.6billion has been released for the payment of arrears of workers’ deductions and gratuities. “N5.5 billion has been approved for the payment of six months’ workers’ deductions out of 12 months being owed by the state government. N6 billion was approved to clear gratuities arrears from November 2012 and January 2014, while N1 billon was meant to clear the balance of the severance allowances of political appointees that served under the immediate past government between 2007 and 2011, as well as those who served under this current administration between 2011 and 2015.” Adeoluwa assured that the state government would offset the remaining deductions arrears and gratuities as soon as fund is available.
