Bauchi Pensioners Urge To Be Patient Over Pension Backlog, Arrears

Masoyi Lusa

‎The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) and Labour leaders in Bauchi State have been urged to support Governor Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar’s administration in its move to address the backlog of gratuity arrears it inherited.

Bauchi State Head of Civil Service, Mr. Abdon Dalla Gin made the call when he receives the report of the Committee on Modified Contributory Pension Scheme set up by the State Government.

He said the exercise became necessary considering the backlog of gratuities which is about N16billion.

He therefore call on the leaders to educate  their members about the challenges facing the State.

Gin explained that in addition to about N14 billion backlog of gratuity arrears inherited, the amount is increasing monthly as according to him, about 150 civil servants retire monthly from the State Civil Service.

He reiterated the determination of the State Governor to address the challenges by its consistency in monthly payments of pension.

He said Governor Abubakar is concerned about the flight of the retirees as his administration is trying to find ways to reduce the backlog and the current ones.

The Head of Civil Service therefore enjoined them to enlighten their members on the challenges of dwindling income facing the State because of the drop in the monthly allocation from the Federation Account.

He commended the committee members for a job well-done adding that the report committee is very relevant at this time and would be processed and submitted to the governor immediately.

Speaking earlier, chairman of the committee, Alhaji Ashu Abubakar said they have travelled to neighbouring states to get more ideas about the assignment given to them.

He urged the State Government to implement their recommendations with diligence so that the necessary measures will be taken.