Muhammad Garba
In a major boost to the welfare of retired civil servants, the Jigawa State and Local Governments Contributory Pension Scheme has disbursed a total of ₦12.6 billion to more than 5,000 retirees between 2024 and January 2026, reaffirming the state government’s commitment to prompt and transparent payment of retirement benefits.
The State Head of the Civil Service, Alhaji Muhammad K. Dagaceri, disclosed this on Tuesday at the Pension House in Dutse during the official launch of the latest tranche of pension payments amounting to ₦1.51 billion, benefiting 592 retirees across the state.
Dagaceri explained that in 2024, Governor Malam Umar A. Namadi approved the release of ₦5.42 billion, which was paid to 2,033 retirees, while in 2025, an additional ₦5.68 billion was disbursed to 2,211 retirees. He noted that the current payment of ₦1.51 billion brings the total pension disbursement under the administration to ₦12,614,826,460.17, describing it as a clear demonstration of the Governor’s resolve to prioritise the welfare of civil servants, even after retirement.
According to him, shortly after assuming office in May 2023, Governor Namadi constituted a committee to reform the State Contributory Pension Scheme, a move that has strengthened efficiency, accountability and timely settlement of retirees’ entitlements.
Dagaceri praised the Jigawa pension scheme as one of the best in the country, urging serving civil servants to reciprocate government’s commitment by remaining dedicated, disciplined and productive in the discharge of their duties.
Earlier, the Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State and Local Governments Contributory Pension Scheme Board, Dr. Bilyaminu Shitu Aminu, said the Board had commenced payment of ₦1,510,967,692.96 as terminal benefits to 592 retirees, drawn from the state government, local governments and Local Education Authorities (LEAs).
He explained that the payments covered retirement benefits, death benefits and death pension balances, ensuring that both retirees and families of deceased workers received their full entitlements.
A breakdown of the payments showed that 188 retirees from the state government received ₦562.35 million, while 154 retirees from local governments got ₦318.19 million. Similarly, 114 retirees from LEAs were paid ₦283.86 million as retirement benefits.
Under death benefits, 36 beneficiaries from the state government received ₦136.99 million, 31 beneficiaries from local government councils were paid ₦81.95 million, while 26 beneficiaries from LEAs got ₦71.07 million.
For death pension balances, 20 beneficiaries from the state government received ₦38.16 million, 10 beneficiaries from local governments got ₦5.73 million, and 13 beneficiaries from LEAs were paid ₦12.68 million.
Dr. Aminu stressed that the Board remains up to date in settling pension obligations, including benefits of workers who died while still in active service, noting that the state government’s consistent support has made this possible.
He reiterated the administration’s unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of workers and retirees, describing prompt pension payments as critical to morale, social stability and effective public service delivery.
The latest disbursement further positions Jigawa State as a leading example in pension administration, setting a benchmark for transparency and compassion in public sector governance.
January 13, 2026
