Gov Eno Directs Payment of 13th Month Pension Bonus, Says N100bn Gratuity Paid
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno, has approved the payment of a 13th-month pension bonus to all pensioners in the state, alongside a one-time welfare support of N10,000 for November 2026.
The governor announced the approval on Friday, October 30, 2026, at Ibom Hall Ground, Uyo, during an event organised by the State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), where he received a Merit Award and was endorsed for re-election in 2027.
Governor Eno said the gesture was aimed at appreciating retired public servants for their years of dedicated and meritorious service to the state.
He commended the pensioners for their organisation, gratitude and continued engagement with his administration, assuring them that their welfare and that of other elderly citizens would remain a priority.
Describing the occasion as humbling, the governor said pensioners might have retired from active service but remained valuable members of society.
He subsequently directed that an additional N10,000 be included in the November 2026 pension payment of every retiree in the state.
“I am now directing that N10,000 be added to the November 2026 pension payment of every pensioner in support of your welfare,” he stated.
The governor also encouraged pensioners to register for the state’s health insurance scheme, explaining that residents aged 65 and above were entitled to free access to the programme.
On the payment of outstanding gratuities, Eno disclosed that his administration had released over N100 billion out of the N111 billion inherited backlog accumulated since 2012.
He assured that the outstanding balance would be cleared before the end of his first term in office.
Eno attributed the progress to improved financial resources available to state governments under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, commending the President for making funds accessible to states.
He urged the pensioners to support Tinubu’s re-election bid in 2027, arguing that continued financial support from the Federal Government would help sustain the payment of pensions, gratuities and other welfare commitments.
The governor also appealed to pensioners, particularly those from Ikot Ekpene Senatorial District, to support the re-election of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Earlier, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Comrade Mazi Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi, commended Governor Eno for what he described as his compassion and commitment to the welfare of retired public servants in Akwa Ibom.
Abumisi praised the governor’s leadership and development initiatives, urging pensioners across the state to reciprocate his administration’s efforts by supporting his second-term ambition in 2027.
In his welcome address, the State Chairman of the NUP, Pastor Sylvester Nkodo, described Eno as a compassionate leader whose administration had demonstrated unprecedented commitment to the welfare of pensioners and elderly citizens.
Nkodo said the governor had consistently listened to the concerns of retired public servants through policies and programmes aimed at improving their living conditions.
He further maintained that the administration’s interventions had improved pensioners’ living standards and restored dignity to many retirees.
The state NUP chairman also expressed appreciation for the release of over N100 billion towards the settlement of inherited gratuity arrears, praying for the governor’s success in securing a second term.
At the event, pensioners unanimously endorsed President Tinubu, Senate President Akpabio, Governor Eno and other APC candidates for re-election in 2027.
The endorsement followed a motion moved by Comrade James Inim and seconded by Dr Mrs Uduak Udoaka.
The gathering attracted a large number of pensioners, many of whom remained at the venue despite the rain to demonstrate their appreciation and support for the governor.
