The Gombe state government has earmarked more than N5.2 billion for the payment of gratuities to both local and state government retirees.

Abdulkadir Waziri, the commissioner for local government and community development, disclosed this to journalists shortly after the state executive council meeting, on Wednesday in Gombe.

Mr Waziri said out of the money, N3 billion would be paid to local government retirees, while N2.2 billion would go to state retirees.

The commissioner said the state government would settle the backlog from 2018 to 2022.

He explained that the local government retirees’ would not be across board, as it would depend on their capacity.

”Some will be settled for two years and others for more than two years,” he explained.

Also speaking, Salisu Baba-Alkali, the commissioner for budget and economic planning, said the state’s executive council had approved a five-year nutritional policy.

Mr Baba-Alkali said it was aimed at improving children’s nutrition, as well as reducing the number of malnourished ones.

“If the children are not fed well, the future of the state will not be secured, they are the leaders of tomorrow.

“Governor Inuwa Yahaya always looks into the future and provides solutions before it’s too late,” he said.

He said that the project, in partnership with various donor agencies and counterpart funding from the state government, would cost about N3 billion. 

(NAN)