Governors of Niger, Kano, and Jigawa States have collectively spent a total of ₦43.5 billion to settle pension arrears and gratuities, bringing relief to thousands of pensioners in their respective states.
The development was revealed at the 12th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), held in Kano on Tuesday, where the union also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the release of a ₦758 billion bond to the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) to offset unpaid accrued rights of Contributory Pensioners.
According to figures shared at the conference, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago disbursed over ₦20 billion to clear outstanding pensions for state and local government retirees. Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf paid ₦16 billion in gratuities within less than two years in office, while Jigawa State Governor Malam Umar Namadi released ₦7.5 billion to support the state’s Contributory Pension Scheme.
National President of the NUP, Godwin Abumisi, stated that no pensioner in Kano earns less than ₦20,000 monthly and praised Jigawa’s prompt monthly pension payments, made by the 15th of each month. He also highlighted President Tinubu’s efforts, including the August 2024 circular approving a 20% pension increase and a minimum pension of ₦32,000.
However, Abumisi appealed for additional funding to enable the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to fully implement the circular and settle 10 months of arrears. He drew attention to the unresolved plight of defunct Nigeria Airways pensioners, whose remaining ₦36 billion in entitlements remain unpaid since the airline’s liquidation in 2004.
Also speaking at the event, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) President, Joe Ajaero, represented by Deputy President Comrade Kabir Minjibir, declared that the NLC would use the upcoming May Day celebration to demand immediate payment of all outstanding pensions and gratuities nationwide. He called for an end to dehumanising verification processes and the establishment of an inflation-adjusted National Minimum Pension.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, represented by Director of Trade Unions and Industrial Services, Falonipe Amos, reaffirmed the federal government’s commitment to pensioner welfare. He cited ongoing pension reforms, including the Pension Reform Act of 2014 and the Micro Pension Scheme launched in 2019, which aims to provide flexible contributions for informal sector workers.
The conference theme, “Pensioners, the Neglected Nation Builders,” highlighted the urgent need to protect the dignity of Nigeria’s retirees while reinforcing the role of pension reforms in ensuring transparency, timely payments, and enhanced quality of life.
