Nigeria pledges to settle 20-year backlog of worker entitlements

The Nigerian Federal Government has committed to settling a 20-year backlog of unpaid entitlements for disengaged workers. Dr. Dasuki Arabi, Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), announced that a verification exercise is underway in Gombe State to identify genuine claims and ensure full payment to beneficiaries, including the legal heirs of deceased workers.

President Bola Tinubu has reportedly approved this final verification process, which involves collaboration with the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation and anti-corruption agencies. According to the BPSR, over 99 per cent of cases regarding unpaid entitlements have already been resolved.

In a related call for systemic change, Bukar Muhammad, a retired Director from the Federal Ministry of Works, has advocated for comprehensive civil service reforms. Muhammad emphasized the need for a more transparent promotion system and merit-based recruitment to improve national productivity. He also urged the government to reform the pension system to prevent delays and installment payments, suggesting that retirees should be consulted on policies affecting their welfare.