Abia State Governor Alex Otti has announced plans to address the state’s outstanding gratuity obligations estimated at about ₦60 billion, while unveiling a new Citizens’ Engagement Centre to improve communication between government and residents.

Otti disclosed this on Thursday during his monthly media chat, which coincided with Abia State’s 35th anniversary.

The governor said his administration had begun putting structures in place to permanently address challenges surrounding pension and gratuity payments in the state.

He said the state had recently introduced a contributory pension scheme covering more than 36,000 workers, under which both employees and government would make regular contributions towards future pension and gratuity obligations.

According to him, the scheme would make pension and gratuity payments more predictable and reduce the accumulation of arrears.

Otti also disclosed that his administration had commenced and completed payment of outstanding gratuities to senior citizens who retired between 2001 and 2010.

He assured beneficiaries that provisions had also been made for pension payments due to the next of kin of deceased pensioners.

On the Citizens’ Engagement Centre, Otti said the initiative was established to create a direct channel through which residents could interact with government.

He said residents would be able to ask questions, make observations and contribute ideas on government policies and programmes.

The governor said the centre would also have a dedicated helpline and email platform to facilitate communication between citizens and the government.

Otti said the initiative was part of his administration’s broader commitment to making governance more accessible, responsive and accountable to the people of Abia.

He maintained that the government would continue to prioritise the welfare of pensioners and workers while implementing measures designed to prevent the accumulation of new pension and gratuity arrears.