THE Jigawa State and Local Governments Contributory Pension Scheme Board has commenced the disbursement of N1,389,857,763.37 billion as terminal and death benefits to 560 retirees and relatives of deceased civil servants across the state.
News Point Nigeria reports that the Jigawa State Executive Secretary of the Scheme, Dr. Bilyaminu Shitu Aminu, disclosed this while addressing beneficiaries at the Pension House in Dutse.
Dr. Aminu explained that the payment covered gratuity, death benefits and death pension balances owed to eligible beneficiaries.
According to him, the 560 beneficiaries comprised staff of the state civil service, local government councils and local education authorities who either voluntarily retired, attained retirement age or died while still in active service.
The Executive Secretary stated that N1,101,443,426.68 billion would be paid to 453 workers who retired from service, while N261,855,040.41 million would be disbursed to 90 relatives of civil servants who died while in active service.
He added that the final category covered 17 retirees who had retired from service, commenced receiving monthly pension payments, but died before completing the minimum five-year period after retirement.
According to him, the beneficiaries in that category received a total of N26,559,296.28 million.
Dr. Aminu further explained that the Jigawa State and Local Governments Contributory Pension Scheme was fully up to date in the payment of entitlements to retirees, including beneficiaries of workers who died in active service.
He also stated that the scheme had maintained regular payment of monthly pensions to all retired civil servants across the state.
He said the development reflected the commitment of the state government to improving the welfare of retirees and ensuring financial security for those who served the state during their working years.
The Executive Secretary expressed appreciation to Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi for his continued support and the transformative reforms introduced since assuming office.
Earlier, the Jigawa State Accountant General, Alhaji Abdullahi S.G Shehu, disclosed that the state government under Governor Namadi had injected more than N9 billion into the contributory pension scheme from 2023 to date as bailout support.
He said the intervention was aimed at strengthening the viability of the scheme and restoring confidence among retiring civil servants.
According to him, the financial support had significantly improved the stability and effectiveness of the pension programme.
“The intervention and its impact on the scheme is very effective because it has strengthened the pension scheme,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Contributory Pension Scheme, Hon. Idris Aminu, commended Governor Umar Namadi for his continued efforts towards improving the welfare of pensioners in the state.
He described the Jigawa State and Local Governments Contributory Pension Scheme as one of the foremost pension schemes in the country, noting its commitment to timely payment of benefits to retirees and families of deceased workers.
He said the development demonstrated the state government’s dedication to protecting the welfare and financial security of civil servants who dedicated their careers to public service.
The disbursement ceremony, held at the Jigawa State Pension House, formed part of ongoing efforts by the government to honour the contributions and sacrifices of civil servants upon retirement.
The funds, according to officials, would provide essential financial support to retirees and help them transition into post-service life with dignity and stability.
Some beneficiaries, who served in different capacities across the state and local governments, expressed appreciation for the timely payment of their benefits.
They said the prompt disbursement would enable them to meet their financial obligations, improve their welfare and enhance their quality of life during retirement.