Anambra Governor Soludo Promises August Deadline to Clear All Gratuity Arrears, Emphasizes Workers as Government’s Lifeblood

 

Governor Chukwuma Soludo of Anambra State has restated his administration’s unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare, with a firm pledge to settle all outstanding gratuities owed to retired civil servants by the end of August. This announcement was made during the official opening ceremony of the 2025 Local Government Service Commission Week, held on Wednesday in Awka.

The event, themed “Enhancing Effective Service Delivery in the Local Government System: The Solution Agenda”, brought together key stakeholders, civil servants, and local government leaders across Anambra State. The gathering focused on strengthening institutional performance and reaffirming the central role of local governments in grassroots development.

Addressing a hall packed with officials and public servants, Governor Soludo revealed that since the inception of his administration, notable strides had been made in paying gratuities. He declared that all retirees who exited service under his watch had received their entitlements, and significant progress had been made in offsetting backlogs that predated his tenure.

“We have cleared arrears of gratuities from 2018 to 2020,” Soludo said. “Let me assure you today that all outstanding payments will be completed before the end of August. This is not just a promise, it is a testament to our recognition of the workforce as the live wire of government operations.”

This announcement was met with resounding applause, especially from retired civil servants who have waited for years for their benefits. Soludo emphasized that workers were not just part of government machinery but the engine driving every meaningful development agenda.

At a time when many states across the country are battling with salary and pension backlogs, Soludo’s declaration stands as a bold policy stance, placing human capital at the core of governance.

Beyond addressing gratuity arrears, the governor also used the platform to highlight broader reforms aimed at enhancing productivity and service delivery in the local government sector. One of the flagship components of his administration’s reform, he said, is the integration of technology into public service operations.

“Service delivery must evolve,” Soludo stated. “We are committed to ensuring that our local governments deliver services that are both efficient and fit for purpose. This aligns with our administration’s vision of ‘Everything Technology, Technology Everywhere’. The world is not waiting; we must leap forward.”

The governor pointed out that improving the work environment and empowering civil servants with modern tools were essential steps in transforming public service. He reiterated that workers must be provided with resources and support that will enable them to meet public expectations, especially at the grassroots level.

He extended commendations to the Local Government Service Commission for its proactive stance and commitment to service excellence. Speaking further, Soludo urged workers at all levels to adopt a performance-driven mindset, noting that a culture of accountability and innovation is essential for transforming governance in Anambra.

Mr. Vin Ezeaka, Chairman of the Anambra State Local Government Service Commission, lauded the governor’s ongoing reforms and support for local government institutions. He assured Soludo that the commission was fully aligned with his administration’s vision and would spare no effort in ensuring that local government workers deliver top-tier service.

Ezeaka also seized the moment to publicly express the commission’s endorsement of Governor Soludo’s potential bid for a second term. According to him, the decision was based on the governor’s demonstrable commitment to uplifting the welfare of public servants and revitalizing local government infrastructure and processes.

“This gathering serves not just to reflect on our achievements but to express our confidence in your leadership,” Ezeaka said. “We stand behind you as you continue to steer Anambra toward inclusive development.”

Aisha, a retired teacher from Nnewi who attended the event, expressed hope and cautious optimism. “For the first time in years, someone is talking about our welfare like it matters. If Soludo fulfils this August promise, many of us will sleep easier,” she said with emotion in her voice.

Her sentiments echoed the mood across the room as civil servants, both active and retired, nodded in agreement. To them, the promise made was more than just a policy update, it was a signal that they are not forgotten.

As the event drew to a close, it was clear that the 2025 Local Government Service Commission Week had taken on more significance than its original schedule. It served as a renewed social contract between the Anambra State Government and its public workforce, reminding all that governance begins where the people live – at the local level.

Soludo’s administration, by focusing on both technological modernization and human-centered policies, appears set on redefining how governance is perceived and delivered in the state. The coming weeks will determine if his promise to clear the remaining gratuity debts by August becomes a landmark achievement or another unfulfilled expectation. But for now, hope is high, and the path forward seems clearer than ever.