From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna
Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago of Niger state has flagged off the payment of 25 billion Naira gratuities to the first batch of 335 retirees in the state.
Bago, who presented the cheques to the benefiting retirees that had served the state diligently over the years at the Niger State Pension Board in Minna, explained that the move underscores the Bago administration’s commitment to prioritizing the well-being of pensioners in the state.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Comrade Yakubu Garba,the governor reiterated the state government’s determination to address all issues affecting pensioners at both the state and local government levels, however approved and released the sum of 25 billion Naira to clear all outstanding entitlements over the years.
He added that the release of funds for the payment of the gratuities is a testament to the administration’s commitment to the welfare of the state’s retired civil servants.
According to him, “the current administration will ensure timely pension payments to prevent such a backlog in the future, and to alleviate the hardships faced by retirees and their families in the past.”
He however, warned against any attempts to tamper with the serial numbers and files of the beneficiaries, stating that anyone caught doing so will be dealt with decisively.
He explained that the payment process will continue in batches, with the retirees from the local government areas set to receive their cheques starting from July 26th.
It could be recalled that some pensioners in the state had not been paid for over 13 years due to the pension scheme laws that were changed, leading to a backlog and a substantial financial burden on the government.
