Enugu Governor, Mbah Approves Gratuity Payment For Enugu Retirees

Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State has approved the payment of gratuities to retirees in the state, marking a significant step in addressing outstanding entitlements.

This development was announced in a public service statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Chidiebere Onyia.

According to the statement, a verification exercise will precede the payments, starting on Monday, 24th February 2025.

The announcement reads:

“The Enugu State Government is pleased to inform the general public, particularly retirees and next of kin of deceased retirees, that the Verification Exercise for Gratuity and related entitlements will commence on Monday, 24th February 2025. This exercise is specifically for individuals who are due for gratuity payments and related entitlements.

“This announcement follows the successful completion of the verification exercises for active workers and pensioners, conducted earlier. The government appreciates the cooperation of all stakeholders during the exercise and looks forward to the same level of participation and compliance during the gratuity verification.

“The verification exercise is designed to:

1. Update and validate the records of retirees and next of kin.
2. Ensure that only legitimate beneficiaries receive their gratuity and related payments.
3. Eliminate fraud, discrepancies, and delays in the payment process.
4. Create a reliable and accurate database for future reference.”

Who Should Participate?

• Retirees who have not yet received their gratuity payments.
• Next of kin of deceased retirees eligible for gratuity or related entitlements.

Required Documents for Verification:

To facilitate the verification process, participants must present the following documents:

1. Notice of Retirement
2. Pension Form and Pension Authority
3. Letter of First Appointment
4. Last Promotion Letter
5. Bank Verification Number (BVN)
6. National Identification Number (NIN)
7. Two Recent Passport Photographs
8. Payslip or Statement of Account covering at least five years
9. Death Certificate (for Next of Kin)
10. Letter of Administration/Affidavit
11. Any Other Relevant Documents

Verification Schedule

The verification will be conducted in phases to ensure an efficient and organized process:

• Phase 1: 24th February – 10th March 2025 – Retirees from specific ministries and local government areas.
• Phase 2: 11th – 25th March 2025 – Next of kin of deceased retirees.
• Phase 3: 26th March – 2nd April 2025 – Mop-up exercise for those who missed earlier phases.
• Phase 4: 3rd – 17th April 2025 – Collation and compilation of beneficiaries and submission of reports.

Participants will be informed of their specific dates and venues via SMS, radio announcements, and posters.

Instructions for Pensioners Abroad or Hospitalized

Retirees unable to attend in person due to being abroad or hospitalized can authorize a representative to submit their documents.

• A signed affidavit or letter of consent must be provided, including the retiree’s full name, pension identification number, and the representative’s name.
• The authorized representative must submit the required documents to the verification team.
• Additionally, scanned copies of all necessary documents should be emailed to verifygratuity@gmail.com with the subject line containing the retiree’s full name and pension identification number.
• Once received, the documents will be processed remotely, and the retiree will be notified upon completion.

Verification Venues

The main venue for the exercise will be:

Enugu State College of Education (Technical)
Time: 8:00 AM daily

Additional venues for participants in remote areas will be announced in due course.

Important Notes

• Participants must bring original documents alongside photocopies for submission.
• Ensure bank account details are accurate and up-to-date.
• Arrive early and follow all instructions from verification officers.
• Strict adherence to assigned dates and venues is required for a smooth process.

Grievance Redress Mechanism

For inquiries or complaints, contact:

• Helpline: 0916-810-1470
• Email: verifygratuity@gmail.com

The Enugu State Government remains committed to ensuring transparency and efficiency in this exercise, prioritizing the welfare of retirees and their families. Cooperation from all stakeholders is crucial to the success of this initiative.

Thank you for your continued support and commitment to the progress of Enugu State.