This disbursement includes retirees from various sectors, such as the mainstream civil service, secondary schools, and state parastatals. During the flag-off ceremony, Aiyedatiwa emphasized the payment as a “debt of honour”, underscoring his administration’s dedication to settling gratuity arrears inherited from previous governments. He acknowledged the substantial financial obligations his administration has assumed, yet expressed commitment to a systematic approach for debt settlement.

Aiyedatiwa stated that fulfilling these obligations is a significant aspect of governance, alongside starting new projects. He pledged to clear all inherited gratuity debts before the end of his term, reaffirming that retirees should not be neglected after their active service. The Pension Transition Office confirmed that beneficiaries would receive full gratuity payments, encouraging those yet to undergo the necessary verification to do so for future payments.

The move received praise from retiree representatives and the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, who viewed it as a major step in addressing pension-related commitments. Retirees expressed gratitude, noting that these payments would bring much-needed relief after years of waiting. This latest disbursement aligns with the state’s goal of resolving accumulated gratuity obligations and enhances the welfare of retired public servants. Aiyedatiwa reiterated his promise to prioritize the resolution of outstanding commitments while also pursuing development initiatives across the state.