The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to settling long-outstanding entitlements owed to public servants affected by the 2004–2007 public service reforms, with full payment expected to be completed before December 2026.
The Director-General of the Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), Dasuki Arabi, gave the assurance on Monday in Gombe during an inter-agency verification exercise for former Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) staff in the North-East who were disengaged during the reform period.
Arabi said the exercise involves collaboration with the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation, the EFCC, ICPC and other relevant bodies.
He explained that although thousands of officers were affected nearly two decades ago, many entitlements remained unpaid for years. However, he said recent efforts had led to significant progress, including the full settlement of verified Nigeria Immigration Service cases.
According to him, about 99.9 per cent of verified beneficiaries nationwide have now been paid, with the NEPC batch described as the final major group.
Arabi said a few cases previously tied up in litigation have been resolved, while challenges remain in tracing some beneficiaries and next-of-kin due to the long time gap.
He expressed confidence that all outstanding lawful entitlements, including pensions and gratuities, would be cleared before December 2026.
Some beneficiaries in Gombe and Adamawa States commended the Federal Government for the verification exercise, describing it as long overdue relief after nearly 20 years.
Keywords: public service reforms, arrears, BPSR, Federal Government, pensions
