BY: NURA MUHAMMAD TSAFE, MINNA
The Niger State Government has disbursed N25 billion to clear 21-years of outstanding pensions and gratuities owed to retirees of both local and state government civil servants.
Governor Mohammed Umar Bago stated this in an interview, that this substantial payment highlights the administration’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the state’s retired civil servants, who have rendered years of meritorious service.
Bago says “Beyond addressing the pension arrears, the administration has also issued a N20,000 wage award to civil servants across the board for the second time in two months.”
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“The state government has also started paying all outstanding leave grants that have been pending since 2018.” He added
“This initiative is seen as a significant step towards alleviating the financial burden on retirees, some of whom have waited over two decades for their pensions. The payment process will be conducted in batches, beginning with retirees from the local government areas,”Bago
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Governor Bago emphasized that his administration is dedicated to ensuring timely pension payments in the future to avoid a recurrence of such delays. He also issued a stern warning against any attempts to tamper with the serial numbers and files of beneficiaries, stating that anyone found guilty of such actions would face severe consequences.
This decisive action by the Niger State Government marks a new era of financial security for its retired civil servants and reinforces the administration’s pledge to uphold their rights and welfare.