The Kaduna State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has lauded Governor Uba Sani for approving the release of ₦4.289 billion for the settlement of long-standing pension liabilities, describing the move as a major step toward restoring retirees’ confidence in government.
In a statement issued in Kaduna, the union said the disbursement, which covers gratuities, death benefits, and accrued rights, has brought renewed relief and optimism to thousands of pensioners and families of deceased civil servants who had endured years of financial uncertainty.
The NUP noted that many retirees had faced significant hardship due to delays in the payment of their entitlements, with some depending on family support and struggling to meet basic needs such as healthcare, housing, and daily living expenses. According to the union, the intervention by the Kaduna State Government signals a deliberate commitment to addressing the welfare of senior citizens who had served the state diligently.
Recall that Governor Sani had, last week, approved the release of the funds for the payment of pension entitlements to retired civil servants across state and local government services. The approval also included benefits owed to next-of-kin of deceased workers, a category the union described as “often overlooked but critically deserving of timely support”.
The pensioners’ body commended the governor for prioritizing their welfare despite competing demands on the state’s finances, noting that the payment would not only ease immediate financial burdens but also stimulate economic activity, as beneficiaries are likely to spend the funds within local communities. “We commend His Excellency for this timely intervention. This gesture has rekindled our hope and reassured us that this administration is attentive to the plight of pensioners”, the union said, urging the government to sustain the momentum by ensuring regular and timely payments going forward.
The union also called for the establishment of a structured and transparent payment framework that would prevent future backlogs and guarantee financial security for retirees. It further appealed for continued engagement between government and pension stakeholders to address other outstanding issues affecting members.
Observers say the development reflects a broader effort by the Kaduna State Government to clear inherited liabilities and rebuild trust in public institutions, particularly among vulnerable groups such as retirees.
