Key Takeaways

• Governor Umo Eno has approved a 13th-month pension bonus for pensioners in Akwa Ibom State.
• Every pensioner is also expected to receive a one-time additional ₦10,000 welfare payment in the November 2026 pension.
• Pensioners aged 65 and above have been encouraged to register for free health insurance under the state scheme.
• The governor disclosed that ₦100 billion had been released towards the ₦111 billion inherited gratuity backlog accumulated since 2012.
• Eno promised to clear the remaining gratuity balance before the end of his first term.
• The governor thanked President Bola Tinubu for providing additional funds to state governments.
• The Nigeria Union of Pensioners praised Eno’s welfare policies and presented him with a Merit Award.
• The pensioners endorsed Tinubu, Akpabio, Eno and other APC candidates for the 2027 elections.

Governor Umo Eno of Akwa Ibom State has approved a 13th-month pension bonus and an additional ₦10,000 welfare payment for pensioners across the state.

The governor also directed that the one-time ₦10,000 support be included in the November 2026 pension payment of every pensioner as part of his administration’s efforts to improve the welfare of retired public servants.

Eno announced the benefits while receiving a Merit Award from the Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, which also endorsed him for a second term in the 2027 governorship election.

The announcement represents another welfare measure targeted at retired workers, with the governor reaffirming his administration’s commitment to supporting elderly residents and former public servants.

Governor Directs ₦10,000 Addition To November Pensions

While addressing the pensioners, Eno expressed appreciation for the recognition and commended their organisation and continued interest in the affairs of the state.

He described their retirement as a transition from active service rather than an end to their contributions to society.

The governor said:

“This is indeed humbling to me. It shows that you are truly technocrats with a laudable sense of organization. You may be retired but not tired. I celebrate and appreciate you greatly.”

— Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

He subsequently directed that an additional ₦10,000 be included in the November 2026 pension payment of every pensioner.

“I am now directing that N10,000 be added to the November 2026 pension payment of every pensioner in support of your welfare,”

— Umo Eno, Governor of Akwa Ibom State.

The additional payment is a one-time welfare support, separate from the approved 13th-month pension bonus.

Free Health Insurance For Pensioners Aged 65 And Above

Beyond the additional pension benefits, the governor encouraged pensioners aged 65 and above to register for the state’s health insurance scheme.

According to Eno, the programme provides free health insurance coverage for people within that age group.

He said the initiative was intended to help elderly residents access quality healthcare and enjoy better living conditions.

The health insurance provision forms part of the welfare measures highlighted during the meeting with the pensioners’ union.

Akwa Ibom Has Released ₦100 Billion To Settle Gratuity Arrears

Eno also provided an update on his administration’s efforts to settle outstanding gratuities owed to retired public workers.

The governor disclosed that his government had released ₦100 billion out of the ₦111 billion backlog accumulated since 2012.

He assured the pensioners that the remaining balance would be cleared before the end of his first term in office.

The reported payment represents a major part of the inherited gratuity obligations, although the outstanding balance remains to be settled.

Eno also expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for making additional funds available to state governments.

He said the financial support had helped his administration fulfil its commitment to addressing the inherited gratuity arrears.

Pensioners’ Union Praises Umo Eno’s Welfare Policies

Earlier at the event, the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Pastor Sylvester Nkodo, praised the governor’s leadership and commitment to the welfare of retired public servants.

Nkodo described Eno’s approach to the welfare of elderly citizens as compassionate and impactful.

He also said the governor’s policies had improved the living conditions of pensioners and helped lift many out of poverty, giving them a more dignified life.

The pensioners’ leader further commended the release of more than ₦100 billion towards settling inherited gratuity payments dating back to 2012.

Nkodo prayed that God would grant the pensioners’ wish for Eno to secure a second term in the 2027 governorship election.

Pensioners Endorse Tinubu, Akpabio And Eno For 2027 Elections

The event also featured political endorsements by the pensioners, who declared support for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno and other APC candidates in the 2027 elections.

According to the report, the endorsement followed a motion moved by Comrade James Inim and seconded by Dr Mrs Uduak Udoaka.

The motion was unanimously adopted by the pensioners present at the event.

The endorsement formed part of the gathering’s political developments, alongside the presentation of the Merit Award to Governor Eno and the announcement of additional welfare benefits for retirees.

What Umo Eno’s Pension Announcement Means For Retirees

The governor’s announcement covers several areas of pensioners’ welfare, including an approved 13th-month pension bonus, a one-time ₦10,000 addition to November 2026 pension payments and free health insurance for eligible residents aged 65 and above.

His administration also reported releasing ₦100 billion towards the inherited ₦111 billion gratuity backlog and pledged to settle the outstanding balance before the end of his first term.

The actual implementation of the announced benefits and the settlement of the remaining gratuity obligations will determine how fully pensioners experience the promised support.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What pension benefits did Umo Eno approve for Akwa Ibom pensioners?

Governor Umo Eno approved a 13th-month pension bonus and an additional one-time ₦10,000 welfare payment for pensioners in Akwa Ibom State.

2. When will pensioners receive the additional ₦10,000 payment?

The governor directed that the additional ₦10,000 be included in the November 2026 pension payment of every pensioner in the state.

3. Is the ₦10,000 payment the same as the 13th-month pension bonus?

No. The source describes them as two separate benefits: a 13th-month pension bonus and an additional one-time ₦10,000 welfare payment.

4. Who qualifies for free health insurance under the announced scheme?

According to Governor Eno, pensioners aged 65 and above are eligible to register for free health insurance under the state scheme.

5. How much has Akwa Ibom State paid towards inherited gratuity arrears?

Governor Eno disclosed that his administration had released ₦100 billion out of the ₦111 billion inherited gratuity backlog accumulated since 2012.

6. When will the remaining gratuity arrears be paid?

The governor assured pensioners that the outstanding balance would be cleared before the end of his first term in office.

7. Which political figures did the pensioners endorse for the 2027 elections?

The pensioners declared support for President Bola Tinubu, Senate President Godswill Akpabio, Governor Umo Eno and other APC candidates.

8. Who is the chairman of the Akwa Ibom State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners?

The chairman identified in the report is Pastor Sylvester Nkodo.