The Anambra State Government has released documents relating to N363.381 million in salary arrears owed to workers, pensioners and next of kin of two defunct state agencies, amid an ongoing dispute with former governor Peter Obi over the financial obligations left by his administration.
The records show that the amount represents the second tranche of a settlement reached between the state government and the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service, Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE).
The arrears concern former workers and pensioners of the defunct Anambra State Water Corporation (ANSWC) and Anambra State Environmental Protection Agency (ANSEPA).
A memo dated May 22, 2025, and signed by the then Head of Service, indicated that N363.381 million was scheduled for payment in 2026 as part of the settlement. The agreement between the state government and AUPCTRE was signed on February 6, 2024.
The state government said the payment was part of efforts to clear outstanding obligations inherited from previous administrations. It maintained that the arrears were among the unpaid entitlements left behind by Obi’s administration, which ended in 2014.
The government also stated that the first tranche had already been paid, while the second payment was provided for under the settlement agreement.
The release of the documents comes amid renewed disagreement over Obi’s claim that he did not leave Anambra with outstanding debts or unpaid obligations when he handed over power.
Obi has continued to dispute claims concerning liabilities attributed to his tenure, maintaining that he left the state in a financially sound position. He has also challenged the way the state government has presented figures relating to loans and other financial obligations.
The latest documents, however, focus specifically on salary arrears involving the two defunct agencies and show the state’s commitment to completing the agreed payments to the affected beneficiaries.
The development has added another dimension to the ongoing debate over the financial position of Anambra State at the end of Obi’s tenure.
