The Jigawa State and Local Government Contributory Pension Scheme has disbursed a total of over N1.5 billion in terminal benefits to 609 retirees who reached the mandatory retirement age or completed 35 years of service between August and December 2024.
Dr. Bilyaminu Shitu Aminu, the Executive Secretary of the Pension Board, revealed the payment details during a meeting with beneficiaries at the Pension House in Dutse. He explained that the payments were categorized into four distinct groups.
The first batch of 465 retirees, who either reached the mandatory retirement age of 60 years or completed 35 years of service, received a total of over N1.173 billion. The second batch of 103 individuals, whose relatives received benefits after they passed away while still in service, were compensated with over N315 million.
Dr. Aminu also highlighted that the third group of 39 retirees, who began receiving monthly pensions but passed away before completing the minimum five-year period required for pension eligibility, were paid over N54 million. The final batch of two individuals, who had not contributed for up to five years but were eligible for a refund of their contributions along with 15% interest, received a combined sum of N749,010.31.
He urged pensioners to be cautious of fraudsters and reminded them that the pension services are free of charge, emphasizing that they should never feel compelled to bribe staff to access their benefits.
Dr. Aminu expressed gratitude to Governor Umar Namadi for his commitment to pensioners’ welfare, noting that the timely payment of pensions and gratuities had brought joy to retirees. He also appealed for continued public support for the government’s efforts to achieve prosperity and a better Jigawa State.
The Executive Secretary reiterated that the board would maintain its commitment to ensuring prompt payment of pensions and entitlements to retirees, ultimately contributing to better service delivery and the well-being of pensioners in the state.
FRCN
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