Niger State begins payment of N25bn to pensioners

Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has flagged off payment of N25 billion owed pensioners, vowing that anyone caught tampering with their serial numbers and files will be dealt with decisively.

The governor, through his deputy, Yakubu Garba, gave the warning at the flag-off of payment to the first batch of 335 retirees at the Niger State Pension Board in Minna.

He explained that the sum of N25 billion has been approved and released to clear all outstanding entitlements of retirees who have served the state diligently.

Bago expressed the determination of his administration to address all issues affecting pensioners at both the state and local government levels.

He said: “The release of such a large sum for the payment of these gratuities is a testament to my administration’s commitment to the welfare of the state’s retired civil servants.

“The payment process will continue in batches, with the retirees from the local government areas set to receive their cheques starting from July 26th.”

Bago also stated that to forestall the difficulties retired civil servants face after retirement, his administration will ensure timely payments of pensions, which will prevent the accumulation of debts in the future.

DAILY POST recalls that some retirees have not been paid their gratuities for over 13 years due to the changed pension scheme laws, which led to a backlog and a substantial financial burden on the government.