Mika’il Tsoho, Dutse
The Jigawa State and Local Government Contributory Pension Scheme Board has commenced the payment of over N3.4 billion to 1,331 individuals who exited active service between January and July this year, either after reaching 35 years of service or due to death while in active service.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Director of Administration and Finance of the Scheme, Alhaji Nasiru Haruna, who is also acting as the Executive Secretary of the Scheme.
The statement detailed that the payments are categorized into four groups. The first batch of 1,001 retired staff members, who either completed 35 years of service or reached the mandatory retirement age of 60, were paid N2,579,605,965.12.
The second category includes 241 staff members who died while in active service, with their relatives receiving N730,367,087.60. The third batch consists of 84 retirees who had started receiving monthly pensions but passed away before reaching the minimum period of five years after retirement. The families of these individuals will receive N109,561,313.67.
The last category includes beneficiaries who did not contribute for the minimum required period of five years. Under this category, one individual was paid N2,705,459.02, including 15% interest.
Alhaji Haruna stated, “Today, we are paying a total of N3,422,239,826.32 to 1,331 workers who retired or passed away from various state MDAs, LGCs, and LGEAs.”
“The payment covers retirement benefits, death benefits, death pension balances, and refunds of eight percent contributions.”
The acting Executive Secretary warned retirees against involving third parties in processing their retirement benefits. “The Pension Board does not, in any way, ask a third party to facilitate or receive any amount from retirees before their payments are processed. Our services are free; never bribe any of our staff for your terminal benefits, as we work under guidelines established by our Board in accordance with pension regulations.”
“If anyone asks for money, whether inside or outside the pension house, to process your payment, it is fraud, and such incidents should be reported to the Board for necessary action,” Haruna told the retirees.
He further explained, “The Pension Board processes payments for retirees immediately after the Directorate of Salary and Pension Administration forwards the particulars of the retiring workers to the Pension Board.”
Alhaji Nasiru Haruna commended Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi for releasing N3.422 billion to the Jigawa State and Local Governments Contributory Pension Scheme Board to settle outstanding gratuities and death benefits for 1,331 retirees in the state.
“It is worth noting that in January this year, Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi released N2 billion as a bailout to the State and Local Governments Contributory Pension Scheme to settle outstanding gratuities,” he said.
He highlighted that since the current administration took office, the Governor has prioritized the welfare of pensioners and workers in the state, even inaugurating a committee of experts to review and appraise the State and Local Governments Contributory Pension Scheme.
The acting Executive Secretary acknowledged the Governor’s efforts in addressing the challenges of the Jigawa State Contributory Pension Scheme since his assumption of office in May 2023. He stated that with the recent approval, the State Government has now released over N5.4 billion to the Jigawa State and Local Governments Contributory Pension Scheme Board as a bailout, enabling the Scheme to clear all outstanding gratuity payments.
Alhaji Nasiru Haruna called on the citizens of the state to continue supporting the present administration with prayers, aiming for a better Jigawa where everyone will benefit from Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi’s shared prosperity agenda.
He expressed appreciation to Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi for his care and generosity towards pensioners in the state, noting that the prompt payment of pensions and gratuities has greatly uplifted the spirits of pensioners. He prayed that God would continue to strengthen the Governor to do more.
He concluded by stating that the gesture would enhance service delivery and improve the well-being of retirees, allowing them to enjoy a fulfilling life after service.
“The State Government and the Board will continue to ensure the welfare of its workers for better service delivery and the well-being of retirees after service,” Haruna said.
Some beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the Governor for prioritizing pensioners’ welfare.
Ado Garba, a retiree from the Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology, said, “I retired in January 2024 as a messenger. Now that I have received my gratuity and pension arrears from February, I will invest more in farming to improve life for myself and my family.”
Another retiree, Uwani Bako, shared that she had received her gratuity and pension arrears, adding that she plans to invest in agriculture. She commended Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi for the timely payment of their gratuities.
