By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
In a major welfare boost, the Jigawa State Government has disbursed over N1.54 billion as retirement and death benefits to 609 civil servants and deceased workers’ families.
The payments, covering retirees from August to December 2024, were announced in a statement by Mr. Ismaila Ibrahim Dutse, the Public Relations Officer of the Office of the Head of Civil Service.
Flagging off the payments at the Pension House in Dutse, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State and Local Government Pension Board, Dr. Bilyaminu Shitu Aminu, revealed the categorization of recipients to include 465 Retirees, paid a total of N1.17 billion after attaining 35 years in service or reaching the retirement age of 60 years.
“The second categories of 103 staff are those who died while on active service, where their relations were paid the sum of N315,023,121.01, while the third batch consist of 39 retirees who retired from service and started receiving monthly pension but died before reaching their minimum period of five years after retirement. These people were paid N54,193,759.77million”.
Others are two Contributors Below Five Years – Paid N749,010 plus 15% interest, adhering to pension law requirements for minimum contributions.
Dr. Aminu emphasized the state government’s dedication to prompt payment of pensions and entitlements, ensuring retirees’ well-being and fostering a fulfilled life after service.
He praised Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi for prioritizing pensioners’ welfare, noting that the payments had boosted retirees’ morale and eased their post-service lives.
The Executive Secretary cautioned pensioners to avoid fraudsters, stressing that the Board’s services are free of charge and governed by strict pension regulations.
Dr. Aminu further urged citizens to support the government’s shared prosperity agenda through prayers and cooperation, envisioning a Jigawa where comfort and security are guaranteed for all.
Beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the government, acknowledging the timely intervention as a step toward improving pension administration and retirees’ welfare in Jigawa State.
