Delta Gov Approves N10bn for Pension Arrears Settlement

Governor of Delta State, Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the immediate release of N10 billion to offset outstanding pension arrears owed to retirees in the state.

Oborevwori made the announcement on Tuesday during a meeting in Asaba with the Chairman of the Bureau of State Pensions, Mr. Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, and the State Chairman of the Association of Contributory Retirees, Mr. Anthony Osanekwu, according to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The governor explained that the intervention was aimed at addressing long-standing issues concerning retirees’ welfare, including the settlement of backlogs and challenges arising from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Delta’s Pension Commitment

Oborevwori disclosed that his administration has so far committed over N36 billion to pension payments, adding that N1.4 billion is released monthly for pension obligations since he assumed office.

He stressed that while his government had not defaulted in meeting current obligations, there was an urgent need to clear arrears inherited from previous administrations.

“Our retirees are men and women who gave their best years in service to the state. It is only just that they receive what is due to them, and under my watch, their welfare will remain a top priority,” the governor said.

To ensure accountability, he announced the constitution of an oversight team to supervise the disbursement of the N10 billion, pledging strict transparency in the process.

Reactions

Ogidi-Gbegbaje, Chairman of the Bureau of State Pensions, described the governor’s announcement as a “pleasant surprise”, assuring that the funds would be deployed exclusively for pension payments with full accountability.

On his part, Osanekwu, leader of the Association of Contributory Retirees, expressed appreciation on behalf of pensioners, noting that the governor had exceeded expectations.

“You took us unaware; what we were expecting was far less than the N10 billion you just approved. I am elated, and I know that when pensioners across the state hear this news, they will be very happy,” he said.

Workers’ Welfare Reforms

The pension relief comes against the backdrop of broader welfare initiatives by the Oborevwori administration.

In May, the governor announced that Delta was among the first states to implement a new minimum wage of N77,500, above the national benchmark of N70,000 — a move that raised the monthly wage bill from N11.5 billion to N15.3 billion.

His administration has also:

• Trained over 8,000 public servants, including 450 senior managers in collaboration with the Administrative Staff College of Nigeria (ASCON).
• Recruited 13,497 new teaching and non-teaching staff across the 25 LGAs to close manpower gaps.
• Conducted promotion interviews for over 2,193 officers, reinforcing career development.

Through these reforms, the governor said, his administration is deepening its MORE Agenda while prioritising workers’ and retirees’ welfare across the state.