Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved a 13th-month pension payment for all retirees in the state as part of efforts to improve their welfare.
The governor also announced a one-time financial support of N10,000 for every pensioner in November 2026.
Eno made the announcement during the presentation of a Merit Award by the Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, which also declared support for his re-election bid in 2027.
The governor expressed appreciation for the recognition and commended the pensioners for their organisation and continued contributions to the state, despite being retired from active service.
He assured them that his administration would continue to give attention to the welfare of elderly residents and former public servants.
Eno directed that an additional N10,000 be included in the November 2026 pension payment of every retiree to provide further financial assistance.
He also encouraged pensioners aged 65 and above to register for the state’s health insurance scheme, explaining that the programme provides free access to healthcare for eligible elderly residents.
On the payment of outstanding gratuities, the governor said his administration had released more than N100 billion out of the N111 billion inherited arrears accumulated since 2012.
He assured the retirees that the remaining balance would be settled before the end of his first term in office.
Eno also appreciated President Bola Tinubu for making more funds available to state governments, noting that the improved financial situation had helped his administration meet its commitment to clearing the outstanding gratuities.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Pastor Sylvester Nkodo, praised the governor for his administration’s support for retired workers and elderly citizens.
Nkodo said the governor’s policies had helped improve the living conditions of pensioners and provided them with better opportunities to live with dignity.
He also expressed appreciation for the release of over N100 billion towards the payment of gratuities owed to retired public servants since 2012.
The pensioners’ chairman prayed for God’s guidance and support for Eno, while expressing the union’s hope that he would secure another term in the 2027 governorship election.
At the event, the pensioners also endorsed President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Eno and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for the 2027 general elections.
The endorsement followed motions moved by Comrade James Inim and seconded by Dr Uduak Udoaka, which received the support of members present.
