We received N14.98bn Paris club refund, Ortom confirms

Benue state governor, Samuel Ortom yesterday said the state government has so far received N14.9 billion final tranche of the Paris Club refund from the federal government.
Governor Ortom, who spoke through his Chief Press Secretary, Mr.
Terver Akase said 80 per cent of the funds will be used for payment of salaries, pensions and gratuities.
He announced the setting up of a committee headed by the Deputy Governor, Engr Benson Abounu to work out modalities for immediate disbursement of the funds.
The governor said members of the committee will also include the state Head of Service, Finance Commissioner, Adviser on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Adviser on Labour Matters, Chairmen of Nigerian Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress and Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Benue state chapter.
“The decision to involve key stakeholders in disbursement of the Paris Club refund is in line with my policy of transparency and accountability,” he added.
It will be recalled that the governor similarly made public the receipt and disbursement of the N12.7 billion first tranche and N6.4 billion second tranche of the Paris Club refunds respectively.
It could also be noted that the Benue state government is owing between six and eleven months salary arrears to state and local government areas respectively.
The Paris Club refund is therefore expected to be used in reducing the salary arrears.

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