In a bold step towards enhancing transparency and accountability in its pension administration, the Jigawa State Government has announced that it will commence a comprehensive verification exercise for all pensioners under the state’s Contributory Pension Scheme. The exercise, scheduled to kick off on Monday, May 5, 2025, is aimed at updating the pension payroll, correcting anomalies, and strengthening the integrity of the state’s pension system.
The Head of the Jigawa State Civil Service, Muhammad Dagaceri, disclosed this during a stakeholders’ meeting held on Tuesday at the Pension House in Dutse. The meeting, which brought together key players including officials from the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Jigawa State chapter, was organized to sensitize relevant parties and set the groundwork for the smooth execution of the verification process.
Dagaceri emphasized that the initiative is driven by the state government’s commitment to the welfare of its senior citizens and is not designed to witch-hunt or penalize any pensioner. He noted that irregularities have crept into the pension payroll over the last three years, and the verification exercise is necessary to clean up the records and ensure that genuine pensioners receive their rightful benefits.
“All pensioners across the Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), Local Government Councils (LGCs), and Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) are expected to take part in this crucial exercise,” Dagaceri stated, while urging retirees to present themselves for screening at their respective local government secretariats.
The State Accountant General, Abdullahi Shehu, while speaking at the meeting, described the exercise as a vital opportunity for pensioners to update their records and resolve any discrepancies in their payment details. He advised all beneficiaries to make the most of the verification period to ensure their information is accurate and up-to-date.
Similarly, the Chairman of the Jigawa State chapter of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Professor Salim Abdurrahman, pledged the full cooperation of all 27 local government council chairmen in the state. He appealed to pensioners to support the process and comply fully, stressing that it is in their best interest.
The Executive Secretary of the Contributory Pension Scheme, Dr. Bilyaminu Shitu Aminu, also underscored the significance of the exercise, reiterating that it is an important step in ensuring that every pensioner receives their full entitlements without delay or error. He encouraged retirees to be forthcoming with their documentation and to engage constructively with the officials assigned to conduct the verification.
Backing the initiative, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners in Jigawa State, Umar Babura, assured the government of the union’s full support. He urged all pensioners in the state to participate actively in the verification process, describing it as a progressive move that reflects the government’s commitment to good governance and transparency.
The exercise marks another significant effort by the Jigawa State Government to improve public service delivery and reinforce trust in its pension management system.
