Bauchi State Pensions Board Announces Progress in Pension Payments and Contributory Scheme Implementation

The Bauchi State Pensions Board has made significant progress in paying outstanding gratuities to retired civil servants. According to Senator Bala Adamu Kariya, the Chairman of the Board, the state government has paid a total of N3,418,288,11.68 in outstanding gratuities from May 2019 to date. This payment is a major step towards clearing the state’s pension backlog, which exceeds N20 billion.

The Board has processed the files of 4,948 civil servants, with 4,273 having retired and 677 having died while in service. Senator Kariya emphasized the importance of the Board’s role in managing the retirement files of state civil servants.

To avoid further accumulation of pension and gratuity liabilities, the state government plans to implement a contributory pension scheme. The scheme aims to ensure that both the state and local governments contribute to the pension fund, providing a more sustainable and secure pension system for retirees.

The implementation of the contributory pension scheme is a major achievement for the Bauchi State government. The scheme was established through a bill enacted by the State House of Assembly, which was assented to by the Executive Governor on August 5, 2022. The law also established the Bauchi State and Local Government Contributory Pension Commission.

To facilitate the implementation of the scheme, the state government has appointed two firms of Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) to engage stakeholders in a massive sensitization, advocacy, and enlightenment program across the state.

The implementation of the contributory pension scheme is a significant step towards ensuring the financial security of retired civil servants in Bauchi State. The scheme will provide a more sustainable and secure pension system, ensuring that retirees receive their rightful benefits.