Akwa Ibom State Governor, Umo Eno, has approved a 13th-month pension bonus for all pensioners in the state, alongside a one-off welfare payment of ₦10,000 to be included in their November 2026 pension.
The governor announced the benefits during the presentation of a merit award to him by the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), which also endorsed him for re-election in 2027.
Eno, who expressed appreciation for the pensioners’ recognition and organisation, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of retired public servants and elderly residents across the state.
Describing the recognition as humbling, the governor praised the pensioners for remaining active and organised despite their retirement.
“This is indeed humbling to me. It shows that you are truly technocrats with a laudable sense of organisation. You may be retired but not tired. I celebrate and appreciate you greatly.
“I am now directing that ₦10,000 be added to the November 2026 pension payment of every pensioner in support of your welfare,” he said.
The governor also encouraged pensioners to enrol in the state’s health insurance scheme, which he said provides free coverage for residents aged 65 and above, to improve their access to healthcare services.
On the payment of outstanding gratuities, Eno said his administration had so far released ₦100 billion out of the ₦111 billion inherited backlog accumulated since 2012.
He assured the pensioners that the outstanding balance would be cleared before the end of his first term.
The governor also commended President Bola Tinubu for making more funds available to state governments, saying the increased resources had helped his administration fulfil its commitment to settling inherited gratuity arrears.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Pastor Sylvester Nkodo, commended Eno for what he described as his compassionate and impactful leadership, particularly his commitment to the welfare of elderly citizens and retired public servants.
Nkodo said the governor’s policies had improved the living conditions of pensioners and helped lift many out of poverty, restoring their dignity.
He also expressed appreciation for the release of more than ₦100 billion towards the payment of inherited gratuity arrears dating back to 2012.
The pensioners’ chairman prayed for God’s continued guidance for the governor and expressed the union’s hope that he would secure a second term in 2027.
At the event, the pensioners unanimously endorsed President Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Eno and other All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates for re-election in 2027.
The endorsement followed a motion moved by Comrade James Inim and seconded by Dr Uduak Udoaka.
