By Mariam Aligbeh
Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has approved the release of ₦2.321 billion for the payment of retirement benefits and death entitlements to retirees and families of deceased civil servants across the state.
The approval, announced on Sunday in Kaduna, aims to ease the financial hardship of pensioners and provide relief to families who have lost their breadwinners.
In a statement, the Commissioner for Information, Malam Ahmed Maiyaki, said the funds cover Accrued Pension Rights under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) as well as Gratuities and Death Benefits under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS). He added that the move reflects Governor Sani’s continued commitment to the welfare of senior citizens and the families of former public servants.
“The welfare of pensioners remains a top priority of the Kaduna State Government. Regular and timely payments will continue to ease the hardship faced by our senior citizens,” Maiyaki said.
Providing further details, the Executive Secretary of the Kaduna State Pension Bureau, Mr. Ibrahim Balarabe, explained that 661 beneficiaries would receive payments in the current batch. According to him, ₦1.736 billion was allocated for the Accrued Rights of 511 retirees under the CPS, while ₦585 million was set aside for Gratuities and Death Benefits of 315 retirees and next-of-kin under the DBS.
Balarabe added that retirees under the CPS would receive payments directly into their Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs), managed by their respective Pension Fund Administrators, while those under the DBS would undergo verification and screening before disbursement.
This latest approval brings the total amount released by the current administration to ₦6.678 billion in 2025 alone and ₦13.5 billion in the past two years.
Governor Sani reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to pensioners’ welfare, describing it as both a statutory obligation and a moral responsibility.
“The approval reflects our commitment to ensuring the dignity of our retirees, protecting their rights, and reinforcing public trust in government,” he said.
