Niger State Pension Board to Commence Gratuity Payments as NUP Names National Hall After Governor Umar Bago
By Yahaya Zakka
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Niger State Council, has announced that the Niger State Government will resume the payment of gratuities to retired state and local government workers beginning Monday, August 10, 2026.
This was disclosed in a communiqué issued after an emergency meeting of the State Executive Committee of the union held on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the NUP Secretariat in Minna. The communiqué was jointly signed by the State Chairman, Comrade Isyaku Ndagi, and the State Secretary, Abdullahi Baba Sani.
The union also announced that a major hall at the NUP National Headquarters in Abuja has been named after Governor Umar Mohammed Bago in recognition of his commitment and support toward the welfare of pensioners in Niger State. According to the union, the hall serves as a key meeting venue for pensioners from across the country.
The communiqué commended Governor Bago for approving the resumption of gratuity payments to both state and local government retirees, describing the development as a significant milestone in addressing the welfare of pensioners.
The union further expressed appreciation to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), and the Office of the Head of Service for their continued concern and support for the welfare of pensioners in the state.
It also appealed to pensioners across the state to continue cooperating with the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Niger State Council, and to remain patient and united as the union continues to engage with the government on matters affecting retirees.
Addressing members during the meeting, the Director General of the Niger State Pension Board, Alhaji Nasiru Saidu Namaska, confirmed that all necessary arrangements had been concluded for the commencement of gratuity payments on Monday.
He explained that the exercise would cover both gratuity and death gratuity payments for eligible retirees from the state and local government services.
Alhaji Namaska further assured pensioners that the state government is committed to ensuring prompt payment of pensions and gratuities. He stated that pension arrears would no longer accumulate except in genuine cases requiring administrative resolution.
He also dismissed reports suggesting the existence of outstanding pension arrears, noting that some of the claims were linked to discrepancies arising incorrect pension records, which the Board is actively addressing through ongoing verification and data-cleanup exercises.
