BY JULIET EKWENUGO
Kaduna
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has approved the release of N4.289 billion for the payment of pension entitlements, gratuities and death benefits owed to retired civil servants and families of deceased workers across the state and local government services.
The approval covers outstanding obligations under both the Contributory Pension Scheme (Accrued Rights) and the Defined Benefit Scheme, which includes gratuities and death benefits.
The intervention is part of ongoing efforts by the administration to reduce pension liabilities and address long-standing arrears affecting retirees in the state.
In a statement on Wednesday signed by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said the approval reflects the government’s continued commitment to clearing inherited backlogs and improving the welfare of senior citizens.
He said the move goes beyond financial settlement, stressing that it is also aimed at restoring dignity to retirees who served the state during their active years in public service.
According to him, Governor Uba Sani remains focused on ensuring that pensioners and families of deceased workers are not left unattended after years of service to the state.
He disclosed that with the latest release, the total amount paid so far by the present administration on pension-related obligations has risen to N17.796 billion, covering 8,344 beneficiaries.
Maiyaki added that the administration’s interventions in the pension sector form part of broader fiscal reforms designed to strengthen transparency, accountability and sustainability in public finance management.
He further explained that the government would continue to prioritise timely settlement of pension obligations while working to ensure the long-term stability of the pension system in the state.
