By: Ali Rabiu Ali, Dutse
The Jigawa State Government has disbursed a total sum of ₦1,429,201,208.92 to 564 retirees, covering pensions and gratuities, as part of its sustained commitment to the welfare of senior citizens in the state.
The Accountant-General of Jigawa State, Alhaji Abdullahi Shehu, disclosed this during the latest pension payment exercise, stressing that the state has maintained an up-to-date payment regime for both monthly pensions and gratuities, including outstanding arrears.
According to him, the payment covers retirees who exited service normally, families of officers who died while in active service, as well as those who passed away after retirement.
“This payment is for pensioners both pension and gratuity. There are outstanding pensions and gratuities, and what we are doing is ensuring that payments are fully up to date,” Shehu said.
He noted that Jigawa State has remained exceptional in pension administration when compared to many other states, attributing the success to a strong financial management system and sound governance structure.
“What makes Jigawa special is the system. When you build a very good system, it will work. Our system has been built over the years on strong structures and commitment.
Above all, we have an able, upright and principled governor who prioritises payment of salaries, allowances and retirement benefits,” he added.
The Accountant-General further praised Governor Malam Umar Namadi for his unwavering commitment to workers’ welfare, describing him as a leader of integrity whose passion for accountability has enabled the regular settlement of obligations to workers and retirees.
Also speaking, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State and Local Government Contributory Pension Scheme, Dr. Bilyaminu Shitu, said the beneficiaries of the current exercise include 485 retirees, 71 families of staff who died in active service, and eight beneficiaries of deceased retirees.
“Today, we are paying 564 beneficiaries, and the payment is up to date, inclusive of February pension. The total amount being paid today is N1.429 billion,” Dr. Shitu stated.
He explained that this is the second batch of retirees paid in 2026, recalling that in January, the state paid 592 retirees, disbursing about N1.41 billion.
Dr. Shitu also provided a breakdown of pension payments under the current administration, noting that in 2024, the state paid 2,013 retirees the sum of N5.4 billion, while in 2025, another 2,011 retirees received N5.6 billion.
“These achievements are a result of commitment to service and respect for those who served the state diligently.
Jigawa remains one of the leading states in pension administration because the system is built on a solid foundation with strong support from the government,” he said.
He expressed gratitude to Almighty Allah for the success of the scheme and commended the state leadership for providing the necessary political will and institutional backing.
Meanwhile, beneficiaries of the payment exercise expressed appreciation to the Jigawa State Government under the leadership of Governor Malam Umar Namadi, commending his consistency and dedication to ensuring that pensioners receive their entitlements promptly.
They described the administration’s approach as humane and reassuring, noting that timely pension payments have significantly improved their welfare and peace of mind.
