Kwara Govt Approves N8.1bn for Payment of Retirees’ Gratuities

• No new taxes planned for 2026, says Finance Commissioner

The Kwara State Government has approved N8.1 billion for the payment of gratuities to retired state and local government workers.

Commissioner for Finance, Dr Hawa Nuhu, disclosed this on Tuesday during the third quarter inter-ministerial briefing held in Ilorin.

She said N5.6 billion would go to retired state workers, while N2.5 billion was set aside for local government retirees.

Dr Nuhu explained that the government would continue to offset pension and gratuity arrears gradually to ensure that other developmental projects are not stalled.

According to her, the gratuity burden had risen sharply following the implementation of the N30,000 and N70,000 minimum wages and their consequential adjustments for retirees.

“The government is not owing any local government retirees except those who failed to take part in the verification exercise conducted in the sixteen councils. Those still complaining need to come forward, complete the process and collect their money”, she said

The commissioner revealed that the state’s monthly internally generated revenue now stands at N15.7 billion, while the domestic debt profile is N57 billion.

Dr Nuhu dismissed speculations about new taxes, clarifying that no fresh levies will be introduced in 2026.

She said both the federal and state governments are only streamlining existing taxes, which will take effect from January 2026.

The Commissioner for Transport, Lafia Aliyu Kora Sabi, said the ministry had strengthened transport safety through the introduction of colour codes for commercial vehicles to enhance identification and commuter protection.

He added that 1,000 life jackets received from the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy had been distributed to riverine communities in Baruten, Edu, Moro, Kaiama and Patigi Local Government Areas to boost water safety.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Social Welfare and Development, Dr Mariam Imam Nnafatima, said more than 200 street beggars evacuated from Ilorin had been repatriated to their home states.

She said the state was renovating the rehabilitation centre at Amayo and the Elders’ Home to make them functional.

Dr Nnafatima added that the ministry was working with the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency to intensify the campaign against drug abuse in the state.