By Ibrahim Muhammad
The Exceptional Leadership and Integrity Promotion Initiative (ELIP) has urged the Jigawa State Government to ensure the immediate enrollment of all verified retirees into the monthly pension payroll upon retirement.
The Executive Director of ELIP, Comrade Isah Mustapha, made the call in a statement issued to newsmen on Wednesday while reacting to the recent payment of N1.86 billion in retirement and death benefits to 728 retirees and families of deceased workers.
Comrade Isah commended the administration of Governor Umar Namadi for clearing the backlog of outstanding retirees’ benefits, describing it as a welcome development.
He, however, expressed concern over the delays many retirees face between retirement and receiving their pension entitlements.
According to him, “Prolonged delays—sometimes extending up to a year—have forced many retirees into catastrophic debt, psychological trauma, and worsening health conditions, undermining their dignity and security in retirement.”
He urged the state government to direct the Pension Scheme to immediately place all verified retirees on the monthly pension payroll upon retirement, even while their gratuity is still being processed.
ELIP also encouraged the management of the Pension Scheme to strengthen its sensitization and support programmes aimed at equipping retiring officers with essential knowledge on financial planning, enterprise development, and comprehensive preparation for life after service.
