Oborevwori Approves ₦10bn to Clear Delta Pension Backlog
Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori, has approved the immediate release of ₦10 billion to the bureau of state pension to clear the backlog of pension arrears owed to retirees in Delta State.
This move is part of his administration’s commitment to prompt payment of pensions and ensuring the welfare of retired public servants.
The governor’s directive aims to clear outstanding pension obligations and provide financial stability to retirees who have long awaited their entitlements.
Governor Oborevwori disclosed during a meeting on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, with the Pension Board—led by the Chairman, Bureau of State Pensions, Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, and the State Chairman of the Association of Contributory Retirees, Comrade Anthony Ozu Osanekwu, that his administration has paid over N14.5 billion to offset outstanding pension obligations.
He emphasized the administration’s people-centered approach, including human capital development, empowering retirees, and clearing pension backlogs.
The governor also underscored efforts to work closely with bureaucrats and stakeholders to deliver on his M.O.R.E Agenda for the benefit of the people of Delta State.
This includes the sustained payment of workers’ salaries before the end of every month and addressing promotion arrears and other welfare schemes for public servants and retirees.
Oborevwori said he convened the meeting to address pressing issues concerning the welfare of retirees, including payment of backlogs and migration challenges under the contributory pension scheme.
Highlighting the strides of his administration, the Governor stated that so far, a total of ₦36.4 billion had been paid in pensions, disclosing that ₦1.4 billion was released for payment of pensions monthly since he assumed office.
He emphasized that the state had not defaulted in meeting its monthly pension obligations under his watch.
However, Oborevwori noted that the arrears, which predated his administration, must be urgently tackled. “Our retirees are men and women who gave their best years in service to the state. It is only just that they receive what is duly owed to them, and under my watch, their welfare will remain top priority,” he assured.
To guarantee accountability, the Governor announced the constitution of an oversight team to supervise the implementation of the ₦10 billion release, stressing that transparency would be strictly upheld.
The gesture, he said, reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare of senior citizens who had laboured in service of Delta State.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Bureau for State Pension, Sir Edwin Ogidi-Gbegbaje, described the Governor’s announcement as a “pleasant surprise,” assuring that the ₦10 billion release would serve as a huge relief to retirees.
He further pledged that the funds would be used exclusively for pension payments, stressing that the system was programmed to ensure transparency and accountability.
Fielding questions from journalists, the State Chairman of the Association of Contributory Retirees, Comrade Anthony Ozu Osanekwu, expressed appreciation to the Governor for what he described as an unexpected and magnanimous gesture.
“You took us unawares; what we were expecting was far less than the ₦10 billion you just approved,” Osanekwu said. “I am elated, and I know that when pensioners across the state hear this news, they will be very happy.”
