Delta State, NIGERIA — In a significant move aimed at improving the welfare of retirees, Governor Sheriff Oborevwori has approved the immediate release of N10 billion for the settlement of outstanding pension arrears owed to retired civil servants in Delta State. This announcement has drawn praise from the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), particularly its Delta State Chairman, Comrade Dr. Bolum Martin Nwachukwu.*
The governor’s decision was revealed during a fruitful meeting held on August 18, 2025, with the State Pension Board and leaders of the Association of Contributory Retirees.
Comrade Bolum Nwachukwu expressed deep gratitude for the unexpected sum, stating, “We were anticipating a release between N2 to N5 billion. However, the Governor’s magnanimity in releasing N10 billion is monumental. This will significantly alleviate the financial burdens faced by our retirees. It is not just a financial release; it is a lifeline.”
The N10 billion fund is intended to address an extensive backlog of pension payments that had been troubling retirees from the years 2011 to 2025. The timely intervention is expected to provide much-needed relief to retirees, who have suffered from delays in the payment of their pensions—a situation that has resulted in significant hardship for many families relying on these funds for their daily sustenance.
“Many of our retirees have been living from hand to mouth,” Dr. Bolum Nwachukwu continued, his voice reflecting the gravity of the situation. “With this N10 billion, we can finally restore the dignity that our retirees deserve. They have served selflessly and given their all to this state; it is only right we honor that commitment now.” He emphasized that pension payment delays had not only affected retirees but also created deeper social issues affecting communities across Delta State.
Comrade Dr. Bolum Martin Nwachukwu also underscored the need for continued governmental support: “While this is a monumental step forward, I urge Governor Oborevwori to ensure that this kind of proactive measure continues in the future. We need to make sure this does not become a one-off situation but rather a consistent effort to guarantee that retirees receive their dues promptly without undue stress.”
Comrade Bolum Nwachukwu also called for concerted efforts to enhance the pension ecosystem, stating, “It’s imperative that we invest in a more robust pension arrangement where retirees can feel secure. We should also explore avenues to educate our retirees on their rights and the processes available to them. Knowledge is empowerment, and we must ensure no retiree is left in the dark.”
Comrade Dr. Bolum Nwachukwu states, “This is just the beginning. We must work together to ensure that our retirees, who have dedicated their lives to serving Delta State, get the respect and care they deserve. Their plight must remain a priority.”
In a telephone call, Comrade Lawson Efenudu, the Secretary of the State Bureau for Pensions, underscored the commitment to ensuring transparency and accountability in the pension payment system. He assured that under his office’s supervision, the processes involved in the disbursement of pensions would be strictly monitored to prevent any form of mismanagement.
“Our system is designed with checks and balances to ensure that every retiree gets what they are entitled to without corruption,” Efenudu stated. “The Governor’s approval of N10 billion is an affirmation of our commitment to transparency in pension management. We can assure the public that every naira of this fund will be accounted for.”
During the meeting, Governor Oborevwori highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by the pension system, particularly the complexities involved in migrating to the contributory pension scheme. He emphasized that since he took office, his administration has prioritized the financial health of the pension system, with a total of N1.4 billion being disbursed monthly for pension payments. So far, his administration has processed a remarkable N36.4 billion in pensions.
“The welfare of our retirees is non-negotiable,” Governor Oborevwori affirmed. “We will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to address any outstanding issues and ensure our pensioners receive their entitlements in a timely manner.” His sentiments were echoed by other stakeholders in attendance, who voiced their support for both the funding release and the process moving forward.
In a show of solidarity, Comrade Anthony Ozu Osanekwu, the State Chairman of the Association of Contributory Retirees, expressed optimism regarding the future of pension management. “We appreciate the N10 billion release, and we look forward to collaborative efforts that will ensure systematic improvements in our pension framework,” he said. “What we need now is a mobilization of efforts to streamline these payment processes. We want assurances that moving forward, payment of pensions will become predictable and devoid of the anxiety we have faced in recent years.”
As the Delta State government moves forward with its initiatives to ensure the financial dignity of its retirees, it reflects a growing acknowledgment of the immense contributions made by these individuals to the state’s development.
With the clear commitment of Governor Oborevwori and the commendation from TUC leadership, the retirees in Delta State can finally see a beacon of hope as they look ahead to a more secure financial future. The governor’s actions reinforce the notion that the welfare of retirees is crucial to the socio-economic fabric of the state.
Discussion about this post