Akwa Ibom Begins Verification of 28,000 Pensioners, Boosts Welfare Packages
The Akwa Ibom State Government has launched a verification exercise for 28,000 retirees on its payroll, following a similar exercise for 55,000 public servants.
Head of Civil Service, Elder Effiong Essien, said the Ministry of Science and Digital Economy is overseeing the process, ensuring ease for elderly pensioners, including provisions for online and home-based verification.
He announced pension increases—₦20,000 for retirees from 2000 upward, ₦15,000 for those from 2011 downward, and ₦500,000 monthly for retired permanent secretaries. Of the ₦90 billion gratuity arrears, ₦60 billion has been paid.
Essien also disclosed ongoing staff verification at Akwa Ibom State University to integrate workers into the state payroll and outlined bonding measures to curb medical brain drain.
