Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Henry Owen
In a move widely praised as a demonstration of compassion and fiscal responsibility, Governor Uba Sani of Kaduna State has approved the disbursement of ₦2.321 billion for the payment of pension entitlements, gratuities, and death benefits to retirees and families of deceased public servants across the state.
According to a statement released by the Kaduna State Ministry of Information, the funds cover both accrued rights under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and benefits under the old Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS). This initiative underscores the state government’s continued commitment to prioritizing the welfare of senior citizens and families who have served the state with dedication.
The Commissioner for Information, Ahmed Maiyaki, stated that the governor’s directive reflects his consistent policy of ensuring that retirees receive their benefits without unnecessary delay. He noted that the administration views pension payment not as a privilege but as a fundamental right that must be respected.
“Timely payment of pensions and gratuities is central to Governor Sani’s people-first governance philosophy,” Maiyaki said. “These retirees gave their best years to Kaduna State, and it is only fair that they live their post-service lives with dignity.”
Providing further details, the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Pension Bureau, Ibrahim Balarabe, revealed that 661 retirees and next-of-kin will benefit from the new disbursement. Out of the total amount, ₦1.736 billion has been allocated to 511 retirees under the CPS, while ₦585 million will go toward the gratuities and death benefits of 315 pensioners and deceased workers’ families under the DBS.
Balarabe clarified that beneficiaries under the CPS will receive their funds directly into their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) with their respective Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs). Meanwhile, those covered under the old DBS will be contacted for screening and verification prior to payment, to ensure transparency and accuracy in disbursement.
With this latest round of payments, the Kaduna State Government has now disbursed a cumulative ₦6.678 billion to retirees in 2025 alone, and a total of ₦13.5 billion since Governor Uba Sani assumed office.
Political analysts and labour unions in the state have applauded the governor’s consistency, describing his pension policy as one of the most transparent and responsive in Northern Nigeria.
Governor Sani, known for his human-centered leadership approach, reiterated through his aides that treating retirees with respect and empathy is not just an administrative function but a moral obligation.
“Our retirees deserve honour, not hardship,” he affirmed in an earlier statement. “They built the foundations of Kaduna’s progress. We will continue to prioritize their welfare as long as this administration remains in office.”
Observers say this latest disbursement reinforces Kaduna’s position as a model for pension reform and accountability among Nigeria’s subnational governments, setting a benchmark for other states to emulate.
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