The Abia State Government under Governor Alex Otti has commenced the phased payment of long-outstanding gratuities owed to retired workers and has resolved the industrial dispute that led to the recent strike by the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) at Abia State University (ABSU), Uturu.
The gratuity payments, which address arrears dating back to as early as 2001 and estimated at over ₦60 billion in total verified liabilities, form part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to clear inherited obligations to pensioners. Officials confirmed that disbursements for retirees who left service between 2001 and 2010 have begun hitting beneficiaries’ accounts, following the conclusion of verification exercises conducted jointly with the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).
Governor Otti had earlier earmarked substantial sums in the 2026 budget for this purpose, emphasising that the payments would be made gradually to ensure accuracy and sustainability while protecting the state’s capacity to meet current obligations. Pensioners in the state already receive their regular pensions promptly, with all pension arrears previously cleared.
On the ABSU front, the state government and university stakeholders have resolved the key welfare issues that triggered the total and indefinite strike declared by ASUU-ABSU earlier in August. The union had cited outstanding salary arrears (including cases of salary omissions spanning several months), non-remittance of deductions, promotion-related payments, earned academic allowances, and other institutional demands.
Following series of meetings involving the state government, the university management, and ASUU leadership, agreements were reached that address the outstanding claims. The resolution paves the way for the resumption of full academic activities at the institution.
The dual developments underscore the Otti administration’s stated commitment to prioritising workers’ and retirees’ welfare as a cornerstone of governance in Abia State. Salaries for active civil servants continue to be paid between the 26th and 28th of every month, while broader reforms aimed at improving tertiary education and public service delivery remain ongoing.