Niger State Commences Payment of N25bn to Pensioners

Governor Mohammed Umar Bago of Niger State has initiated the payment of N25 billion owed to pensioners, warning that any tampering with serial numbers and files will be met with severe consequences.

The governor, represented by his deputy, Yakubu Garba, issued this warning at the commencement of payments to the first batch of 335 retirees at the Niger State Pension Board in Minna.

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

Bago reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to resolving all pension-related issues at both state and local government levels.

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

Bago also emphasized that his administration will ensure timely payments of pensions to prevent future debt accumulation and alleviate the hardships faced by retired civil servants.

NIGERIA NEWS 247 recalls that some retirees have not received their gratuities for over 13 years due to changes in pension scheme laws, resulting in a backlog and substantial financial burden on the government.