By Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse
The Jigawa State and Local Governments Contributory Pension Scheme Board has commenced the disbursement of N1.389 billion in retirement and death benefits to 560 retirees and relatives of deceased civil servants, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to the welfare and financial security of its workforce.
The Executive Secretary of the Scheme, Dr. Bilyaminu Shitu Aminu, disclosed this during the flag-off of the payment exercise held at the Pension House in Dutse.
He explained that the N1,389,857,763.37 being disbursed covers gratuities, retirement benefits, death benefits and death pension balances for beneficiaries drawn from the state civil service, local government councils and Local Education Authorities.
According to him, 453 retired civil servants who either voluntarily retired or attained the mandatory retirement age will receive a total of N1,101,443,426.68.
Dr. Aminu further disclosed that 90 relatives of civil servants who died while in active service would receive N261,855,040.41 as death benefits.
He added that another 17 beneficiaries, who are relatives of pensioners that died after retirement but before completing the statutory minimum five-year pension period, would receive the outstanding pension balance amounting to N26,559,296.28.
The Executive Secretary stated that the Jigawa State and Local Governments Contributory Pension Scheme remains fully up to date in the payment of retirement benefits, death benefits and monthly pensions to eligible beneficiaries across the state.
He noted that the consistency in payment reflects the commitment of the administration of Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi to ensuring that retired public servants enjoy financial security after years of dedicated service.
Dr. Aminu expressed appreciation to Governor Namadi for his unwavering support and the reforms introduced since assuming office, saying the interventions have strengthened the pension scheme and restored confidence among workers approaching retirement.
Also speaking, the Jigawa State Accountant-General, Alhaji Abdullahi S.G. Shehu, revealed that the state government has injected more than N9 billion into the contributory pension scheme as a bailout since Governor Namadi assumed office in 2023.
According to him, the intervention has significantly improved the financial health of the scheme, making it more sustainable and capable of meeting its obligations to retirees without delay.
He described the government’s support as timely and impactful, noting that it has enhanced the credibility of the pension system and reassured serving civil servants that their retirement benefits would be protected.
In his remarks, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Contributory Pension Scheme, Hon. Idris Aminu, commended Governor Namadi for prioritising the welfare of pensioners and retirees.
He described the Jigawa State and Local Governments Contributory Pension Scheme as one of the leading pension schemes in Nigeria, distinguished by its prompt payment of retirement benefits, monthly pensions and death benefits to families of deceased civil servants.
According to him, the scheme reflects the government’s unwavering dedication to protecting the welfare and dignity of public servants even after leaving active service.
The disbursement ceremony formed part of the state’s ongoing efforts to honour the contributions of civil servants and ensure a smooth transition into retirement through timely settlement of their entitlements.
Several beneficiaries, who retired after decades of service in various ministries, departments, agencies, local government councils and education authorities, expressed gratitude to the state government for the prompt payment of their benefits.
They said the timely release of their entitlements would enable them to settle pressing financial obligations, invest in small businesses and improve their standard of living in retirement, while also expressing appreciation to the government for fulfilling its promise to retirees.
