No fewer than 281 civil servants left service from Jigawa State and local governments in the last six months.
A report from the state indicated that a total of 208 left the Jigawa State government, while 73 were workers of the local government councils who left service by attaining 35 years in service and 60 years of age.
As a result, the Jigawa State and Local Governments Contributory Pension Scheme Board has commenced the disbursement of N733,517,011.13 as terminal/death benefits to 281 retirees and relatives of the deceased civil servants.
Addressing the retired civil servants shortly before the commencement of the payment, the Executive Secretary of the board, Dr Bilyaminu Shitu Aminu, said that the payment includes gratuity, death benefit, and death pension balance.
According to him, the 281 workers were staff of state service, local government councils, and local education authorities who voluntarily retired, reached retirement age, or died in active service.
Dr Shitu explained that N542,017,148.60 will be paid to 208 staff who had retired from service, while N144,159,513.19 will be disbursed to the 47 relatives of those who died in active service.
He said the last batch were beneficiaries of 26 retirees who retired from service and started receiving monthly pensions but died before reaching their minimum period of five years after retirement. These people were paid N47,340,349.34.
The Executive Secretary explained that the state had one of the best pension policies in the country because it was up-to-date in its payment of entitlements to its retirees, including those who died in active service.
Dr Bilyaminu also disclosed that the scheme was up-to-date in the payment of monthly allowances to all retired civil servants across the state.
He said this significant milestone reflects the state government’s commitment to the welfare of its retirees and the importance of ensuring financial security for those who have served the state.
The disbursement ceremony, held at the Jigawa State Pension Scheme Board headquarters in Dutse, is part of the ongoing efforts to honour the hard work and dedication of civil servants upon their retirement. The funds will provide much-needed support to the retirees, helping them transition to post-service life with dignity and stability.
During the ceremony, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Contributory Pension Scheme Board expressed gratitude to Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi for his unwavering support.
The beneficiaries, who have faithfully served in various capacities across the state and local government, expressed their gratitude for the timely release of funds. They noted that the prompt payment of their benefits will enable them to meet their financial obligations and enhance their quality of life in retirement.
Moving forward, the Jigawa State and Local Government Contributory Pension Scheme Board remains committed to ensuring the timely and efficient management of pension funds and looks forward to further innovations aimed at improving the welfare of its pensioners.
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