Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, on Sunday approved the release of ₦2.321bn for the settlement of outstanding pension entitlements, gratuities, and death benefits owed to retirees and families of deceased civil servants in the state.
The State Commissioner of Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, who made the announcement through a statement issued on Sunday, said the governor remained steadfast in his commitment to the welfare of senior citizens.
The payment, according to the statement, covers both Accrued Rights under the Contributory Pension Scheme and Gratuity/Death Benefits under the old Defined Benefit Scheme.
With the latest disbursement, the statement added, the Sani administration has now paid a total of ₦6.678bn to retirees and families of late workers in 2025 alone, bringing the cumulative amount settled since he assumed office to ₦13.5bn.
“Governor Uba Sani considers the welfare of pensioners and families of deceased civil servants a top priority.
“This consistent release of funds reflects his deep sense of responsibility and empathy. Regular and timely payments will continue to ease the hardship faced by our retirees and ensure that they live with dignity after years of service,” Maiyaki stated.
The Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Pension Bureau, Alhaji Ibrahim Balarabe, who gave a breakdown of the figures, according to the statement, said a total of 661 beneficiaries would benefit from the current batch.
According to him, ₦1.736bn has been allocated for the Accrued Rights of 511 retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme, while ₦585m will cover Gratuities and Death Benefits for 315 pensioners and next-of-kin under the Defined Benefit Scheme.
Balarabe explained that beneficiaries under the Contributory Pension Scheme would have their funds credited directly into their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) with their respective Pension Fund Administrators.
“For those under the Defined Benefit Scheme. The Bureau will invite them shortly for screening and verification before the release of their payments. This process ensures transparency, accountability, and proper identification of beneficiaries,” he added.
The governor, the statement noted, has repeatedly emphasised that honouring retirees is not just a matter of law but a moral imperative for any responsible government.
“We owe our senior citizens respect and care,” Uba Sani was quoted as saying in an earlier engagement with pensioners.
“They gave their best years in service to Kaduna State, and it is our duty to ensure that they enjoy a life of dignity in retirement.”
