Governor Dauda Lawal of Zamfara State revealed that his administration inherited N13 billion in unpaid pensions and gratuities from previous governments, dating back to 2011.
During an interview, he disclosed that his government has already settled N9 billion of the debt, with plans to clear the remaining balance in the coming months.
Lawal noted that his administration also addressed other financial backlogs, including unpaid salaries, NECO, WAEC, and electricity bills.
In addition, Governor Lawal raised the state’s minimum wage from N7,000 to N30,000 and significantly boosted internally generated revenue (IGR) from N90 million to N1.2 billion.
He highlighted ongoing efforts to revive economic activities and increase employment opportunities in Zamfara.
The governor acknowledged the broader national challenge of pension payment but emphasized his administration’s commitment to addressing inherited debts and creating a sustainable financial future for Zamfara State workers.
(Business Day)