Retirees offers special prayers for the Farmer Gov. Umaru Bago for the payment of gratuities.
The Chairman of the State joint Action committee of retirees, Mr. Daniel Zetta has commended the State governor for commencing the payment of 20 years outstanding gratuities to retirees in the state.
He stated this during the general meeting of Niger state retirees held at the Minna sport complex,he also expressed his gratitude to the Farmer Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago for initiating the disbursement of gratuity payment from the approved ₦25 billion earmarked for the settlement of gratuities for state and local government retirees.
Zitta also thanked the governor for prioritizing pension payments ahead of salaries,according to him is a gesture that should be sustained to become a standard practice in alignment with the constitutional provisions.
He stated that there is need for the government to address the disparity in pension amounts, where retirees receives lower amounts compared to recent retirees,according to him the huge difference underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive pension review, he added.
He also appealled to the Niger State Governor, farmer Mohammed Umaru Bago to urgently review upward the pension of retirees inline with prescribed five years mandatory law.
The Chairman, Mr Zita also extended the Pensioners heartfelt congratulations to the Director general of the pension board, Alhaji Nasiru Saidu Namaska on his well deserved confirmation of appointment, ,according to him is a testament of his professionalism,integrity and exemplary leadership.
He mentioned that Pensioners in the state are indeed fortunate to have him at the helm of affairs, during this critical period, adding that his dedication, professionalism and Trasperancy would not go unnoticed adding that pensioners in the state are deeply grateful for his unwavering commitment and dedication to their plight.
He also appreciates the DG for his efforts in transforming the pension board, he outlined some of the achievements recorded to include settlement of gratuities in batches and the meticulous audit and automation of the state pension roster to identify legitimate pensioners.
He observed that the first come first out batches of the payment of gratuity is a significant milestone in making the payment more transparent,adding that it is no longer the settlement of twenty years old gratuities, but a clear testimony that all outstanding gratuities would be settled.
Niger state Pensioners then observed a special prayers for the farmer Governor Umaru Mohammed Bago for the commencement of payment of gratuities, prompt payment of pension and for his exemplary leadership.
