Kogi Clears Promotion Arrears Dating Back to 2007 as Ododo’s Cash-Back Policy Boosts Workers’ Welfare

The Kogi State Government has commenced the payment of long-outstanding promotion arrears dating back to 2007, a move that has been widely welcomed by civil servants across the state. The development is being credited to the cash-back policy introduced under the administration of Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, which is aimed at improving workers’ welfare and restoring confidence in the civil service.

Speaking on the development, the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, described the payment of the arrears as a landmark achievement that underscores the governor’s pro-labour stance. According to him, the settlement of the backlog is not only a financial relief for workers but also a moral boost that reaffirms the government’s commitment to fairness and accountability.

Fanwo noted that for many years, promotion arrears accumulated due to fiscal constraints and weak implementation frameworks, leaving thousands of workers demoralized. He explained that Governor Ododo’s administration took a deliberate decision to prioritize human capital development by ensuring that earned entitlements are paid without delay.

The cash-back policy, he added, reflects a broader governance philosophy that places workers at the center of development. By injecting funds directly into the hands of civil servants, the policy is expected to stimulate economic activity, improve household welfare, and strengthen trust between the government and its workforce.

Civil servants who have begun receiving their arrears expressed appreciation to the state government, describing the gesture as unprecedented. Many said the move has renewed their faith in the system and motivated them to rededicate themselves to public service.

The Kogi State Government reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining prompt payment of salaries, pensions, and other entitlements, stressing that a motivated workforce is essential for effective service delivery and sustainable development.