Gov Kefas Releases Fresh ₦5bn for Payment of Outstanding Gratuities, Death Benefits

Governor Agbu Kefas of Taraba State has approved and released the sum of ₦5 billion for the payment of outstanding gratuities and death benefits owed to retirees and beneficiaries across the state.

The Commissioner of Information and Re-orientation, Barr. Zainab Usman Jalingo, disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists.

According to the Commissioner, the release of the funds is aimed at clearing long-standing liabilities inherited by the current administration and alleviating the hardship faced by pensioners and families of deceased public servants whose entitlements have remained unpaid for years.

She said following the approval, the Ministry of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning has announced that a screening exercise for eligible beneficiaries will commence on Monday, February 2, 2026, at the Ministry's headquarters.

Barr. Jalingo explained that the exercise will cover 2015 retirees, alongside a final mop-up of outstanding beneficiaries from the 2013 and 2014 retirement cohorts, to ensure immediate and transparent disbursement.

She noted that labour leaders, pensioners and other stakeholders have commended Governor Kefas for what they described as a bold and compassionate decision, adding that the move reflects the administration's commitment to workers' welfare and social justice.

The Commissioner further stated that the development reinforces the resolve of the Kefas administration to confront inherited challenges, honour obligations to workers and retirees, and strengthen public confidence in governance across Taraba State.