By Onu Okorie

Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has approved the release of N3.659 billion for the payment of pensions, gratuities and death benefits to 1,339 retirees and families of deceased public servants across the state and local government services.
The approval, announced in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Ahmed Maiyaki, covers beneficiaries under both the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS) and the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
Maiyaki said the latest payment brings the total amount released for pension-related obligations by the Sani administration since it assumed office in May 2023 to N21.455 billion.
According to him, the cumulative payments have benefited 9,683 retirees and other eligible beneficiaries.
Giving a breakdown of the latest approval, the commissioner said 210 local government retirees would receive N515 million under the Defined Benefit Scheme.
He added that N3.144 billion had been approved under the Contributory Pension Scheme for 1,129 beneficiaries, comprising 402 retirees from the state civil service and 727 retirees from local government councils.
Maiyaki said the latest intervention was part of the administration’s efforts to address outstanding pension liabilities while strengthening the sustainability of the state’s pension system.
He explained that the measure was also linked to broader public financial management reforms aimed at improving fiscal discipline, transparency and accountability in the management of the state’s finances.
The commissioner said the reforms were designed to create a more predictable and sustainable framework for meeting pension obligations and providing greater financial security for retirees.
“Governor Uba Sani remains committed to ensuring that those who devoted their productive years to the service of Kaduna State receive their legitimate entitlements with dignity.
“Pension payment is not a favour; it is an obligation to our retirees and the families of deceased public servants,” Maiyaki said. He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to sustaining pension reforms, progressively clearing outstanding liabilities and improving retirement security for public servants in Kaduna State.