In a bid to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the Jigawa State pension scheme, the state government has cited the need for a review and strengthening of the system as the cause of the delay in the payment of retirement benefits for over seven months.

The Executive Secretary of the Jigawa State Local Government Contributory Pension Scheme, Alhaji Kamilu Aliyu Musa, addressed this issue during a press briefing following the disbursement of over two billion naira to 746 retirees.

Earlier, Governor Umar Namadi had formed a committee of experts to investigate the reasons behind the delayed payment of retired civil servants in the state.

Musa explained that one of the factors affecting the disbursement process was the high number of retiring civil servants compared to the available funds. He stated, “The employment gap from previous years has severely impacted the scheme’s operations.”

He further revealed that the committee, initiated by former Governor Badaru Abubakar and later inaugurated by Governor Namadi, had successfully identified the underlying issues plaguing the scheme and put forth recommendations for solutions. Consequently, going forward, the scheme will ensure that retirement benefits are paid promptly, either on the specified due date or on a quarterly basis.