Bago settles N25bn pension arrears

Gov. Umaru Bago of Niger has approved N25 billion for payment of 21 years pension and gratuity arrears owed to both retired state and local government workers in the state.

Bago made the disclosure during an interview with newsmen in Minna on Tuesday.

The governor said that the approval of the sum to clear the arrears of pension and gratuity underscored his administration’s dedication to the welfare of the state’s retired civil servants after their meritorious service years.

According to him, in addition to settling these long-standing arrears, his government has also paid N20,000 wage award to the civil servants across the board for the second time in two months.

Bago also said that his administration had commenced the payment of all outstanding leave grants pending since 2018.

“This move is a significant step towards alleviating the financial burden on the retirees.

“Some have not received their pensions for over 20 years, leading to a considerable backlog, hence the payment process to continue in batches, starting from the retirees from the local government areas,” he said.

According to the governor, his administration is committed to the prompt payment of pension in order to prevent accumulation as witnessed from previous administrations in the state.

Bago also warned against any attempt to alter the serial numbers and files of the beneficiaries, saying that anyone found guilty of such actions would face severe consequences.