BY NASEER BABA- SIRAJDEEN, MINNA.
The Niger State governor, Rt Hon Mohammed Umar Bago, has flagged off the payment of outstanding gratuity to retirees in Niger State.
The payment of the gratuity which took place at the Niger state pension Board headquarters in Minna the Niger State capital had in attendance the first batch of beneficiaries who were issued their cheques ranging from four million naira and above.
Prior to this development, retirees have been subjected to untold hardship even as some of them dead and were unable to receive their gratuity after their retirement.
Speaking at the flag off of the payment, governor Umar Bago, disclosed that the first batch of the beneficiaries were made of three hundred and thirty five (335), retirees who retired between 2003,2004 and 2005 received a total of (N500,000,000) five hundred million naira only.
Governor Mohammed Bago who was represented at the Flagg off by the state Deputy governor Comrade Yakubu Garba explained that pensioners who retired under the local government would be issued their cheques as soon as encumbrances surrounding the list of beneficiaries are resolved.
Explaining further, that the payment would be done in phases and advised them to make judicious use of the money for betterment of their lives
“I want to passionately urge you not to allow anyone to instigate you against the government, don’t listen to rumours because government is continual” he told the retirees.
Speaking earlier, the Director General of the state Pension Board (NSPB), Alhaji Nasiru Saidu Namaska applauded the governor for the bold step taken and priority Attention given to the pension board for the payment of the outstanding gratuity from 2003.
Nasiru Namaska described the disbursements of the gratuities as a landmark and significant event that reflects the unwavering commitment to appreciate the services and dedication of their lives in services they rendered to the state.
Saying the pensioners are the backbone of the State’s development and their years of hard work, dedication, and service have significantly contributed to the progress and prosperity of the State, hence, given them honor, dignity, respect and financial security.
Assuring that the payment process would be conducted with the highest standards of integrity and efficiency.