By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse
The Jigawa State and Local Government Contributory Pension Board has commenced the payment of death benefits worth approximately N288 million to 90 families of deceased civil servants and pensioners, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to the welfare of workers and their dependants.
The Executive Secretary of the Board, Dr. Bilyaminu Shitu, disclosed this while addressing journalists during the commencement of the payment exercise.
According to him, the beneficiaries comprise families of civil servants who died while in active service as well as pensioners who passed away after receiving their gratuities but before completing the five-year guaranteed pension period.
Dr. Shitu explained that the current exercise is the fourth round of benefit payments conducted by the Board in 2026, following similar exercises held in January, February, and May.
He said 17 families of workers who died while in active service are receiving a total of about N261 million, while another group of beneficiaries whose relatives died after retirement but before exhausting their guaranteed pension entitlement are being paid the outstanding balance amounting to about N27 million.
The Executive Secretary further revealed that the Board had, only a week earlier, paid retirement benefits to 453 retirees, bringing the total disbursement within the past two weeks to approximately N1.289 billion.
Providing an update on the Board’s activities this year, Dr. Shitu stated that from January to July 2026, the Pension Board had disbursed a total of N4.091 billion to retirees and beneficiaries.
He said the payments covered 1,741 retirees, 2,091 beneficiaries of deceased workers who died in active service, and 83 beneficiaries of pensioners who died after retirement.
Dr. Shitu attributed the consistent and timely payment of pension benefits to the unwavering support of the Jigawa State Government under the leadership of Governor Malam Dr. Umar A. Namadi.
“This is the fourth time we are paying benefits this year. The government has always provided us with the necessary support whenever the need arises. Our doors are always open to present our requests, and the government responds positively,” he said.
The Pension Board boss expressed appreciation to Governor Namadi for his commitment to the contributory pension scheme, noting that the administration’s support has enabled the Board to sustain prompt payment of retirement and death benefits.
He also appealed to guardians and relatives entrusted with the funds paid to deceased workers’ families to manage the money responsibly.
“I urge those taking care of the families left behind to invest these funds wisely so that the children of the deceased can benefit in the future, particularly in financing their education and ensuring their overall well-being,” Dr. Shitu advised.He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to ensuring that all eligible retirees and beneficiaries receive their entitlements promptly in line with the provisions of the Jigawa State Contributory Pension Scheme.
