The Gombe State Government has made a substantial commitment to its retired civil servants by approving N10.32 billion to pay off outstanding gratuities owed to retirees at both state and local government levels. This decision was reached during the 56th meeting of the State Executive Council (SEC), presided over by Governor Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya.

During a briefing following the council meeting, Ambassador Moses Kyari, the Commissioner for Information, outlined the financial allocations aimed at settling these long-standing debts. The Commissioner for Finance and Economic Development, Muhammad Gambo Magaji, detailed that the council has earmarked N2.18 billion for state retirees' gratuities for the year 2024, alongside N4.06 billion for the year 2025. This latest intervention brings the total amount paid in state-level gratuities since the current administration took office to over N36.5 billion, effectively clearing all outstanding liabilities at the state level.

At the local government level, Barrister Sani Ahmad Haruna, the Commissioner for Local Government and Community Development, announced that N4.08 billion has been approved to settle gratuities owed to retirees across the state's 11 local government areas. The payment schedule varies by local government, reflecting the different financial positions and outstanding liabilities of each council.

The approved payments will cover various years of service for retirees from different local governments, including Akko, Balanga, Billiri, Dukku, Funakaye, Gombe, Kaltungo, Kwami, Nafada, Shongom, and Yamaltu/Deba, with some payments dating back as far as 2017.

In addition to the gratuity payments, the council approved several other significant financial allocations. A total of N6.1 billion was allocated as the state's counterpart contribution to the 2026 Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) intervention fund, which aims to enhance educational outcomes and reduce the number of out-of-school children in Gombe.

Furthermore, the council has set aside N3.64 billion for road projects under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAMP), which includes funding for the ongoing Gadam-Yame-Yari road project and the construction of a new road spur from Nasarawo to Kuri.

The state is also advancing urban development initiatives, with N2.1 billion approved for the expansion of the Nayi-Nawa School at Buhari Estate, along with the installation of 1,085 solar-powered streetlights in various communities to enhance public safety and infrastructure.

In health, the council has approved a statewide free medical and surgical outreach program aimed at providing essential services to less-privileged residents across all local government areas. Additionally, the Kaltungo Snake Bite Treatment and Research Hospital will be handed over to the Federal Government to be converted into a national medical center.

The meeting also addressed security concerns, as Gombe will host new military formations, including the 27 Armoured Brigade and additional tank battalions, following the Federal Government's initiative to bolster security operations in the region.

These comprehensive approvals reflect the Gombe State Government's commitment to addressing the welfare of its citizens, improving infrastructure, and enhancing security across the state.