By Peter Omopo
The Jigawa State Government has disclosed that it has injected more than ₦11 billion into the state’s contributory pension scheme since 2023, as part of efforts to safeguard the welfare of civil servants and ensure the timely payment of retirement benefits.
The Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State and Local Governments Contributory Pension Scheme Board, Dr Binyaminu Shitu Aminu, made this known during the disbursement of retirement benefits to pensioners at the Pension House in Dutse.
Dr Aminu announced that the board has approved the payment of over ₦1.4 billion to 564 beneficiaries in February, covering retirement benefits, death benefits and outstanding pension balances.
According to him, ₦1.19 billion will be paid to 485 civil servants who retired from active service, while more than ₦226 million has been approved for the families of 71 civil servants who died while in service.
He added that over ₦10.8 million would also be disbursed to the families of eight deceased pensioners as outstanding pension balances.
The executive secretary assured retirees that the board remains committed to the prompt payment of entitlements, noting that monthly pensions are paid on or before the first day of every month. He said the contributory pension scheme was structured to guarantee financial security and dignity for workers after retirement.
Also speaking at the event, the State Accountant General, Alhaji Abdullahi S.G. Shehu, described Jigawa’s pension system as one of the most reliable in the country, noting that it has attracted interest from other states seeking to adopt similar models.
He said that since Governor Umar Namadi assumed office in May 2023, the state government has injected more than ₦11 billion into the pension fund to clear inherited backlogs and strengthen the scheme.
The accountant general also noted that Jigawa State is among the states implementing the new national minimum wage of ₦70,000, reflecting the government’s broader commitment to workers’ welfare and economic stability.
Some of the beneficiaries commended the state government for the timely payment of their entitlements, describing it as a major relief amid prevailing economic challenges.
The Jigawa State Government reaffirmed its commitment to sustained pension reforms, aimed at ensuring prompt payment of benefits, strengthening confidence in the contributory pension system and setting a benchmark for public service administration.
