***Urges Accelerated Reforms
By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
The Exceptional Leadership and Integrity Promotions Initiative (ELIP-Initiative) has commended the Jigawa State Government for releasing about ₦2 billion to settle outstanding retirement and death benefits owed to over 720 beneficiaries across the state.
In a statement issued in Dutse and signed by its Executive Director, Comrade Isah Mustapha, the organisation described the payout as a significant step towards meeting the government’s obligations to retired public servants and the families of deceased workers.
ELIP-Initiative also praised the administration of Governor Umar Namadi for providing financial bailouts on two occasions and initiating a comprehensive review of the state’s pension law, aimed at strengthening the scheme and ensuring its long-term sustainability.
According to the group, the measures taken so far reflect a clear commitment by the state government to improving the welfare of retirees. However, it noted that deep-rooted structural challenges within the pension system have continued to expose beneficiaries to severe socio-economic hardship.
The statement lamented that prolonged delays—sometimes stretching to a year—between retirement and the payment of benefits have left many retirees grappling with debt, emotional distress and deteriorating health conditions.
To address these challenges, ELIP-Initiative urged the state government to direct the Pension Scheme to immediately place all verified retirees on the monthly pension payroll upon retirement, even while the processing of gratuities is ongoing.
The group argued that such a measure would guarantee a steady source of income for retirees and reduce the hardship often associated with the transition from active service to retirement.
Comrade Mustapha also called on the Pension Scheme management to revive sensitisation and support programmes to better prepare civil servants for life after service. He said these programmes should include training on financial management, pension planning and small-scale enterprise development.
While reaffirming its appreciation of the Namadi administration’s efforts, the organisation noted that the adoption of the proposed reforms would position Jigawa State as a benchmark for efficient, humane and timely pension administration.
ELIP-Initiative further restated its commitment to promoting good governance, transparency and accountability in Jigawa State, with continued advocacy in public finance management, budget tracking, climate action and social inclusion for women, youth and persons with disabilities.
