The Kwara State Government has paid 100 per cent gratuities to over 2,000 retired civil servants following an extensive verification and certification exercise conducted by a Technical Committee chaired by the State Auditor-General, Alhaji Alayande Fatai.

Speaking with our staff reporter, Olabode Ahmed, the Auditor-General said the exercise was initiated after the state government approved funds to offset outstanding gratuities owed to retired civil servants and pensioners across the state.

According to him, although the committee's original Terms of Reference covered retirees from 2015 upward, the exercise was expanded to capture beneficiaries dating as far back as 1997 after the discovery of unpaid cases.

"When we commenced the assignment, we discovered that there were beneficiaries prior to 2015 who had not been paid. His Excellency directed that we go beyond our initial mandate and ensure that everybody is captured, regardless of their year of retirement," he said.

Over 7,000 Cases Reviewed

Alhaji Fatai disclosed that the Technical Committee, inaugurated in November last year, immediately swung into action and adopted a structured verification process to ensure data integrity, accuracy and transparency.

He revealed that about 7,000 cases were reviewed in the course of the exercise. However, only beneficiaries whose documentation was complete and successfully verified were cleared for payment.

"As I speak, over 2,000 retirees have been cleared and paid 100 per cent of their gratuities. This is not part payment. Once you are verified and cleared, you receive your full entitlement," he stated.

He cited the case of a retiree who received N17.6 million, describing it as a demonstration of the government's commitment to full settlement of outstanding benefits.

Payments, he explained, are being made in chronological order, beginning with the oldest retirees. The Auditor-General said physical verification for retirees between 2019 and July 2025 commenced on 2nd February and initially lasted until 10th February.

Whilst initial turnout was moderate, participation later rose to nearly 90 per cent. Following reports that some beneficiaries were yet to appear, the state government approved an extension of the exercise.

"The directive is clear - everyone must be captured. That is why the exercise is still ongoing," he said.

He added that special arrangements were made to ensure comfort for elderly beneficiaries, including provision of tents, chairs and organised verification points according to year of retirement.

"These are senior citizens who served the state diligently. They deserve dignity and comfort," he noted.

The committee also made provisions for retirees with health challenges, including hospital visits to verify those unable to attend physically.

Automated Payment Replaces Cheque System

In a significant reform, Alhaji Fatai said the government replaced the traditional cheque-based system with automated bank transfers.

"Once you are verified, you go home and receive your payment alert directly in your account. There is no need to come back to collect a cheque," he explained.

He advised beneficiaries to disregard unsolicited calls, noting that the committee would only contact individuals for clarification of details such as bank account numbers where necessary.

Constitutional Mandate

On the role of his office, the Auditor-General described it as the Supreme Audit Institution of the state, established under Section 125 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and the State Public Audit Law.

He said the office is responsible for auditing the public accounts of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), ensuring compliance with financial regulations and conducting value-for-money audits based on economy, efficiency and effectiveness.

He maintained that the office enjoys constitutional, financial and operational autonomy.

"There has been no political interference in the discharge of our responsibilities. Our independence is constitutionally protected," he stated.

Call to Outstanding Beneficiaries

Alhaji Fatai urged retirees who are yet to participate in the verification exercise to take advantage of the extended window.

"This is an opportunity for everyone with outstanding claims to be captured. The government is determined that no eligible retiree should be left behind," he said.

With over 2,000 retirees already paid and thousands of records reviewed, the gratuity settlement exercise is being regarded as one of the most comprehensive efforts in recent years to address outstanding pension liabilities in Kwara State.