Retirees in Niger State are grappling with profound grief and disappointment as promises of pension benefits remain unfulfilled, leading to dire consequences for many.
Isah N. Aliyu, a retired lecturer from the School of Midwifery Sciences in Minna, voiced deep frustration over the plight faced by him and fellow pensioners.
“I dedicated 35 years of my life serving as a lecturer,” Aliyu lamented. “It’s disheartening to see myself and my colleagues reduced to beggars, waiting endlessly for what is rightfully ours.” …CONTINUE READING
The issue stems from assurances made by Governor Umar Mohammed Bago during his campaign.
“We believed in Governor Bago’s promises,” Aliyu recalled. “He assured us that within his first 100 days in office, all pensioners’ benefits would be settled.”
However, the reality has been starkly different. “Many of our pensioners have passed away in poverty and hunger,” Aliyu revealed.
“Abubakar Zakari Dabban died out of frustration, Malam Lawal became paralysed, and Abdullahi Sule Lapai passed away, leaving behind 13 children and 3 wives, all without their rightful benefits.”
Aliyu told Daza TV, a local online TV station that the situation has left numerous retirees destitute, struggling to meet basic needs.
“We can barely afford a single meal a day,” Aliyu added. “Governor Bago promised us a trailer of rice, but we received only a fraction. It’s heartbreaking to witness our elderly suffering like this.”
Feeling betrayed by the government they once trusted, Aliyu questioned, “What have we done to deserve this neglect? Governor Bago, you promised us as if we were your own fathers and grandfathers. Yet now, many of us are passing away without dignity.”
In response to mounting pressure, the Niger State government, under Governor Umar Bago, on May 29 announced the approval of N25 billion for the payment of outstanding pensions and gratuities. The announcement, made in Minna to mark his one year in office, signalled a potential turnaround for the retirees.
Chairman of the Niger State Retirees Pressure Group, Steven Daniel Zitta, confirmed that preparations for disbursement were underway despite challenges.
“The pension board has informed us of their preparations,” Zitta affirmed. “Despite ongoing strikes, they are gearing up for the disbursement, which will be transparent and accessible to all.”
Meanwhile, months after the approval of the fund, retirees have yet to learn when or how they will receive their payment.
