From HASSAN JIRGI, Damaturu
Yobe State government has announced the full settlement of outstanding gratuities owed retired workers of the state and local governments, with over N15.4 billion approved to clear the accumulated backlog.
The Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Baba Wali disclosed this in Damaturu during a press briefing to mark six years of the administration of Governor Mai Mala Buni.
According to him, the payments have completely eliminated gratuity arrears inherited by the administration, bringing long-awaited relief to thousands of retirees across the state.
“The settlement of these gratuities underscores the commitment of Governor Buni’s administration to workers welfare and prudent financial management, despite the prevailing economic challenges facing subnational governments,” Wali said.
The SSG highlighted the major achievements recorded by the administration in key sectors including security, employment, infrastructure, education, healthcare, transportation and power.
According to him, government procured 250 operational vehicles and 500 motorcycles for security agencies between 2019 and 2025, while more than 300 patrol and specialised vehicles were rehabilitated.
He added that over 2,000 vigilantes, hunters and hybrid force operatives were engaged to support security operations across the state.
In the area of employment and capacity building, he disclosed that 6,449 workers were recruited into the civil service, alongside the organisation of about 35 training programmes for over 6,395 civil servants.
He also added that more than 26,000 teachers were trained or retrained, while over 4,000 teaching and non-teaching staff were recruited into primary and secondary schools.
He said about 500 kilometres of roads had been completed or ongoing across the state, citing key projects such as Geidam-Bukarti, Damagum-Gubana, Nguru-Bulanguwa and Fika-Maluri roads.
He revealed that the N22 billion flyover and underpass project in Damaturu are expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2026.
In education, the SSG said government constructed six model schools, seven mega schools, nine girls secondary schools and eight co-educational secondary schools, while continuing the payment of WAEC, NECO and NABTEB registration fees for eligible students.
He disclosed that 25 villages were electrified, electricity extended to over 200 locations and 24-hour power supply for all general hospitals.
On healthcare delivery, Wali said primary healthcare centres were constructed or rehabilitated in 140 out of the state’s 178 wards, with 88 tricycle ambulances procured to strengthen emergency response.
He added that over 300,000 residents had enrolled into the Yobe State Health Insurance Scheme, while drugs worth N2.3 billion were supplied to public health facilities.
