Pensioners in Kaduna, under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), have endorsed Governor Uba Sani for a second term. They cited his administration's friendly policies, particularly the prompt payment of their entitlements since he assumed office. The pensioners, who presented an award to the governor during a courtesy visit, lauded his administration's interventions in the sector.
The state secretary of NUP, Alhassan Musa, said the administration had released more than N21 billion for outstanding gratuities and death benefits. This payment is unprecedented in Kaduna's history, with the previous administration paying slightly above N37 billion over eight years. Musa noted that the amount paid by Sani's administration within three years represents about 60 per cent of what the previous government paid in eight years.
According to Musa, pensioners now receive their entitlements promptly, unlike previously when local government pensioners sometimes waited two to three weeks. He said pensioners sometimes receive their entitlements before civil servants get their salaries, a development they appreciate. Musa assured the governor of the union's continued support, saying pensioners across the state are fully behind his second-term ambition.
The NUP Deputy National Chairman, Abdullahi Onuh, said the union has about 16,000 pensioners in Kaduna State. Onuh urged the pensioners to support Sani's re-election, saying their collective votes could contribute significantly to his victory. He also appealed to other aspirants to reconsider their ambitions in view of the governor's achievements in pensioners' welfare.
Responding, Governor Sani said the Kaduna Government respects and values senior citizens who contributed significantly to the development of the state. He said every worker would eventually retire, stressing that a functional civil service remains critical to effective governance and development. Sani attributed his administration's pensioner-friendly disposition to his long-standing advocacy for workers, the underprivileged, and vulnerable members of society.
The governor said prompt payment of living pensions would motivate serving workers to remain committed to their duties. He promised to consider the union's request for further review of pension entitlements in line with prevailing economic realities. Sani said he would establish a committee to review monthly pension entitlements and recommend appropriate adjustments. He also approved the union's request for a bus for members and promised to allocate land to NUP within Kaduna metropolis.
Sani said his administration's pension reforms could influence other states to improve retirees' welfare, adding that many states look up to Kaduna for policy direction. The governor increased the pension of permanent secretaries by 200 per cent earlier. With these achievements, pensioners in Kaduna are optimistic about their welfare under Sani's leadership.
Key points
- The pensioners endorsed Governor Uba Sani for a second term due to his administration's prompt payment of their entitlements.
- The administration released over N21 billion for outstanding gratuities and death benefits, a significant improvement from the previous administration.
- Governor Sani promised to review pension entitlements and consider further adjustments in line with economic realities.
