According to the document obtained by Fusion Chronicle Reporter the outstanding gratuities owed to retired workers increased to N19,017,778,864.40 as of December 31, 2023.
The Kwara State government’s financial statement for the year ending December 31, 2023, has unveiled liabilities, reflecting the state’s mounting fiscal obligations across gratuities, contractor payments, and litigation liabilities.
According to the document obtained by SaharaReporters, the outstanding gratuities owed to retired workers increased to N19,017,778,864.40 as of December 31, 2023.
This marks a notable rise from the N16,915,585,487.22 recorded at the close of 2022.
These figures depict a persisting challenge in the Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRasaq-led state government’s ability to settle retirement benefits.
According to the financial statement, the outstanding gratuities represent unpaid obligations accumulated through the last quarter of the year
The report also disclosed a sharp rise in contractors’ arrears, with unpaid certificates for work done on government projects totalling N7,811,950,730.71, an increase from N4,258,082,575.09 recorded in the previous year.
This reflects delays in payments for ongoing and completed infrastructure and development projects across the state.
However, contingent liabilities on litigation—debts from legal cases involving the state—remained unchanged at N1,249,458,011.73.
These liabilities, carried forward from previous years, continue to pose potential financial risks to the state’s already strained finances.
The escalating liabilities revealed the challenges faced by the Kwara State government in balancing its financial commitments amid competing demands for resources.
However, residents of Kwara have expressed concerns over the potential impact of these obligations on the state’s capacity to deliver essential services and complete ongoing projects.
Stakeholders have urged the government to prioritise the payment of gratuities and contractors’ arrears to ensure economic stability and maintain confidence in governance.
