Kwara Governor Promises Pensioners Permanent Secretariat, Bus

Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, has promised to provide pensioners in the state with a permanent secretariat and a bus, while pledging to address concerns over rent paid for their current office accommodation. The governor made the promises on Tuesday in Ilorin during a meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), according to a statement issued by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary, Mashood Agboola.

Governor To Address Office Accommodation

AbdulRazaq explained that the union’s existing office was secured through a Certificate of Temporary Occupancy (CTO), which did not grant permanent ownership of the property. He said he would work with the Head of Service to secure a permanent location for the pensioners and resolve concerns over their current rent. He also promised to address their request for a bus.

Government Says Pension Payments Are Up To Date

The Commissioner for Finance, Hauwa Nuru, said the state government was up to date with pension payments and continued to make provisions for gratuities. She attributed the non-payment of pensions to some retirees between 2015 and 2018 to their failure to participate in the required verification exercise.

Pensioners Commend Payment Reforms

NUP Chairman, Mahmud Saidu, commended the administration for changes in pension administration since it assumed office in May 2019. Saidu recalled that pensioners had previously experienced partial salary payments and pension arrears. He said the administration subsequently settled outstanding salary deductions worth more than ₦4 billion. He also stated that salaries had been paid on or before the 25th of each month since May 2019, adding that the government was not owing the union.