Jigawa pension board disburses ₦661m retirement and death benefits

The Jigawa State and Local Governments Contributory Pension Scheme Board has commenced the disbursement of ₦661.1m in terminal and death benefits to 272 retirees and families of deceased civil servants across the state. The allocation aims to provide immediate financial security to vulnerable households and former public sector workers.

Jigawa State Head of the Civil Service, Muhammad K. Dagaceri, disclosed the development during a distribution ceremony held at the Pension House in Dutse. Dagaceri noted that the total sum would comprehensively cover gratuities, death benefits, and pension balances for retired workers and the next of kin of civil servants who died whilst in active service.

Breakdown of institutional allocations
According to the administration, the beneficiaries comprise retired staff from the state civil service, local government councils, and local education authorities. The cohort includes personnel who voluntarily retired, attained the mandatory retirement age, or passed away during their tenure in public service.

A granular analysis of the funds reveals that ₦519.8m will be paid directly to 220 retired workers, whilst ₦123.2m has been allocated to 37 families of deceased civil servants. Furthermore, the Head of Service confirmed that an additional ₦18.1m was approved for 15 retirees who passed away post-retirement but before completing the mandatory five-year pension guaranteed period.

Sustaining the contributory model
Dagaceri stated that the contributory pension scheme has remained consistent in meeting its retirement obligations and processing monthly pensions to retirees across the state. He emphasised that the prompt settlement of these obligations reflects the commitment of the Jigawa State Government to the welfare and financial security of its senior citizens.

Presenting the historical context of the fund, Jigawa State and Local Governments Contributory Pension Scheme Board Executive Secretary, Bilyaminu Shitu Aminu, disclosed that the board had disbursed over ₦3.6bn to 1,428 retirees and families of deceased workers between January and May 2026. Out of this cumulative figure, ₦2.87bn was paid to 1,161 retired civil servants, whilst ₦639.8m went to the families of workers who died in active service.

Governance reforms drive fiscal liquidity
Aminu commended Governor Umar Namadi for sustaining critical institutional reforms and financial interventions that have strengthened the state’s pension architecture. He noted that the state government has injected billions of naira into the scheme, a strategic intervention that has significantly enhanced its operational effectiveness and long-term sustainability.

Reacting to the disbursement, several beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the state administration for the timely release of their entitlements. They noted that the funds would immediately assist them in meeting pressing domestic financial obligations and improving their post-service living conditions.