Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has ordered the release of N3.8 billion to the Kaduna State Pension Bureau for immediate payment of gratuities, death benefits, and accrued rights in the contributory pension scheme.
A statement on Monday by the Governor’s spokesperson, Ibraheem Musa, revealed that the order was given on compassionate grounds after considering the passionate pleas of the pensioners and families of deceased civil servants, who complained that the ongoing verification exercise has impacted negatively on their living conditions.
According to the statement, since assuming office in May 2023, Governor Sani has paid gratuities, death benefits, and accrued rights of over N6.6 billion.
Governor Sani, while restating the fact that the verification exercise is aimed at weeding out “ghost” pensioners from the payroll to curtail the frittering away of the State’s meagre resources, ordered the Pension Bureau to immediately commence the payment of pensioners.
The Governor assured pensioners of his unwavering commitment to their welfare.
He said that it is in furtherance of this commitment, that he is determined to clean up the payroll to ensure seamless and uninterrupted payment of monthly pensions.
Governor Sani noted that the senior citizens devoted their lives to the service of Kaduna State and must be given all the needed support to make them happy in retirement.
The Governor further assured of the speedy completion of the verification exercise so that Kaduna State pensioners will enjoy uninterrupted payment.
He thanked the pensioners for their patience, understanding, and continued support to his administration.
