Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved a 13th-month pension bonus for all retirees in the state, alongside a one-off welfare payment of ₦10,000 for November 2026.
The governor announced the approval while receiving a Merit Award from the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, which also endorsed his re-election bid ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Eno, who expressed appreciation for the pensioners’ recognition and organisational efforts, assured them that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of retired workers and elderly residents across the state.
Describing the award as humbling, the governor praised the pensioners for their appreciation and commitment, despite having retired from active service.
He subsequently directed that an additional ₦10,000 be included in the November 2026 pension payments of every retiree to provide further financial support.
The governor also encouraged pensioners aged 65 and above to register for the state’s health insurance scheme, noting that the programme provides free healthcare coverage for eligible elderly residents.
On the payment of outstanding gratuities, Eno recalled his administration’s commitment to clearing inherited arrears, disclosing that more than ₦100 billion had already been released from the outstanding ₦111 billion accumulated since 2012.
He assured that the remaining balance would be settled before the completion of his first tenure in office.
Eno also acknowledged President Bola Tinubu for making additional financial resources available to state governments, saying the support had helped his administration fulfil its commitment to settling inherited gratuity obligations.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Pastor Sylvester Nkodo, commended the governor for what he described as his compassionate and impactful leadership.
Nkodo praised Eno’s commitment to improving the welfare of elderly citizens and retired public servants, describing his administration’s interventions as significant in improving their living conditions.
He further appreciated the governor for releasing over ₦100 billion towards the settlement of inherited gratuity arrears dating back to 2012.
The pensioners’ chairman also offered prayers for the governor and expressed hope that he
