The Abia State government has said it will pay outstanding salary arrears owed to former local government councillors and pensioners, Governor Alex Otti’s administration said on Thursday in Umuahia.
Outstanding salary arrears owed to former local councillors and pensioners have been a point of discussion in Abia State, with previous governments cited as having left unpaid obligations.
Local government councillors in Nigeria are elected officials responsible for administration at the grassroots level. Pensioners are retirees entitled to benefits under state pension guidelines.
The state government said payment would follow verification of all entitlements owed to the former councillors and pensioners. Government officials said the verification process was ongoing to ensure payment matches official records.
The state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Chief Chidiebere Nwobasi, said the government had met with representatives of the former councillors and pensioners to discuss the verification process and timelines.
Nwobasi said: “The Abia State government is committed to ensuring that all verified salary arrears owed to our former councillors and pensioners are cleared. We are working closely with all relevant stakeholders to expedite this process.”
The commitment by the Abia State government to settle salary arrears adds to developments in state‑level governance and public sector obligations as governments prepare for broader fiscal responsibilities ahead of future elections and policy cycles.
