Kaduna State Government approves ₦3.6 billion for pensions and benefits

The Kaduna State Government has approved a new payment plan for retirees and families of deceased public workers.

Governor Uba Sani has approved ₦3.659 billion for pensions, gratuities, and death benefits for 1,339 people under the Defined Benefit Scheme and Contributory Pension Scheme. Ahmed Maiyaki, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, said this new payment brings the total amount disbursed since May 2023 to ₦21.455 billion, benefiting 9,683 retirees and their families.

Of this new payment, 210 local government retirees will receive ₦515 million under the Defined Benefit Scheme. The remaining ₦3.144 billion will go to 1,129 beneficiaries under the Contributory Pension Scheme.

The government explained that these payments are part of larger financial management reforms. The aim is to deal with past pension debts and create a system that can meet future obligations more reliably.

“Pension payment is not a favour; it is an obligation to our retirees and the families of deceased public servants,” Mr Maiyaki stated.

This latest payment plan aligns with the government's focus on human-capital development and social protection. Education reforms aim to help children and young people, while pension payments fulfill responsibilities to former public workers and their families.