The Niger State Government has resumed the payment of gratuities to retired state and local government workers as part of efforts to clear outstanding liabilities and improve the welfare of pensioners.
This was disclosed in a statement issued on Thursday in Minna by the Director of Information Services in the Ministry of Information and Orientation, Mr Yunusa Ibrahim.
According to the statement, the exercise underscores the commitment of Governor Umaru Bago’s administration to ensuring that retired public servants receive their gratuities and other retirement benefits.
The government said gratuities had been paid up to Batch 11 for state government retirees, while payment for Batch 12 would commence immediately.
It added that the payment of Batch Three gratuities for local government retirees would also resume as part of efforts to gradually clear outstanding gratuity arrears.
The statement noted that the state government had continued to sustain the prompt payment of monthly pensions while steadily offsetting gratuity liabilities owed to retirees across the state.
The government commended the Director-General of the Niger Pension Board, Mr Nasiru Namaska, as well as the management and staff of the board, for ensuring a transparent and seamless payment process.
It also said the Ministry of Information and Orientation would continue to keep the public informed about its policies and programmes to promote transparency and effective communication.
The government appreciated retirees for their patience and understanding and urged beneficiaries to cooperate with the Niger Pension Board to ensure a smooth payment process.
The statement reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the welfare of pensioners and retired public servants.
