The [Bauchi State Government](https://bauchi.gov.ng) has earmarked N2.369 billion to settle gratuity claims for 1,285 retired civil servants belonging to the 2012 and 2013 batches, and on Monday, 12 October 2026, it will launch the second phase of the payment exercise, urging the outstanding 243 beneficiaries to collect their cheques.
**What did the officials disclose at the press briefing?**
The Disbursement Committee revealed the figures at a press conference in Government House, Bauchi, on Sunday. Ibrahim Inuwa, Executive Secretary of the [National Pension Commission (PENCOM)](https://pension.gov.ng), noted that 243 retirees had not turned up to collect their cheques after the first phase concluded on Friday. He stressed that the government had validated retirees from 2012 through 2016, although payments to date covered only the 2012‑2013 cohorts.
**How many retirees were served in the first phase?**
Committee member Muhammad Kabir Sizwe, who oversees payments to local‑government retirees, said the first phase was expected to involve 1,528 beneficiaries – 377 from the state civil service and 1,151 from local governments. In practice, 1,285 retirees completed the process, comprising 293 state retirees and 992 local‑government retirees. The remaining 243 beneficiaries – 84 state retirees and 159 local‑government retirees – failed to appear.
**What funds remain for the outstanding retirees?**
The committee indicated that about N351 million is still available for the 243 pending claimants. Of this, roughly N147 million is allocated to the 84 state retirees, while N204.104 million is set aside for the 159 local‑government retirees. Retirees are urged to present themselves during the second phase to receive their entitlements.
**When does the second phase begin and who does it cover?**
The next round, slated to start at 8 a.m. on Monday, will focus on retirees from the 2014 batch. Kola Oyerinde, another committee member responsible for state retirees, said 583 state retirees are scheduled for processing and encouraged them to appear on their assigned dates.
**What is the total budget for the gratuity exercise?**
Officials clarified that N10 billion has been set aside for the entire gratuity payment programme, dispelling rumours that only N3 billion had been approved. The committee assured all retirees who have been verified and validated for payment between 2012 and 2016 that they will receive their dues.
**How will the exercise be conducted?**
The payment schedule will run for five consecutive days, excluding Sundays. Retirees unable to travel due to health issues are advised to contact the relevant authorities for assistance. Relatives of deceased retirees must follow the prescribed legal procedures before claiming any entitlements.