BY NKECHI NAECHE-ESEZOBOR—The Kaduna State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare, dignity, and security of pensioners, announcing the clearance of over ₦13.5 billion in inherited pension liabilities as part of ongoing reforms.
This assurance was given during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), in Abuja, where the state deepened collaboration with the Commission to strengthen pension administration, ensure full compliance with the Contributory Pension Scheme, and build a transparent and sustainable pension system for retirees.
According to him “those who devoted the most productive years of their lives to public service deserve not only gratitude, but certainty, respect, and the assurance that the state they faithfully served will stand by them in retirement.
“I am grateful for the warm reception extended to me by the Director General of PenCom, Ms. Omolola Bridget Oloworaran, and her management team. I was particularly encouraged by her commendation of our administration’s infrastructure drive, our people-centred reforms, and our deliberate efforts to address inherited pension liabilities.
“Her assurance of PenCom continued support through policy guidance and technical collaboration strengthens our shared resolve to build a pension system founded on integrity, transparency, and long-term sustainability.
”During our engagement, I emphasised the need to deepen collaboration between the Kaduna State Government and PenCom to strengthen pension administration, ensure full compliance with the Contributory Pension Scheme, and resolve structural challenges that have burdened pensioners over the years. This partnership has already yielded progress. To date, our administration has cleared over ₦13.5 billion of the more than ₦24 billion pension liabilities we inherited, and we remain resolute in completing this responsibility.
”I also highlighted measures aimed at easing the impact of the rising cost of living, especially for pensioners. Chief among these is our Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) mass transit scheme, now declared free indefinitely to reduce transportation costs and improve mobility.
“Our vision remains clear: a Kaduna State where service is honoured, retirement is secure, and governance is guided by responsibility and compassion.”
