Kaduna Retirees Decry Unpaid ₦1bn Pension Arrears, Urge Governor Sani to Act on Agreement

By Achadu Gabriel, Kaduna

Retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries in Kaduna State have raised concerns over the alleged non-payment of pension arrears estimated at nearly ₦1 billion, calling on Governor Uba Sani to honour earlier commitments made to them.

In a statement, the retirees said their situation remains unresolved despite discussions with the state government following a court judgment that ordered full payment of their entitlements and arrears.The dispute reportedly began in 2020 when pension payments were reduced under the administration of former Governor Nasir El-Rufai, a move the retirees challenged at the National Industrial Court.

The court later ruled in their favour in 2021 and ordered the state to pay outstanding arrears.The retirees said enforcement efforts were delayed after a garnishee order was secured on government accounts, but negotiations resumed after Governor Sani assumed office in 2023. They noted that the governor had appealed for an out-of-court settlement and set up a committee to review the matter.

According to them, while assurances were given that payments would be included in the budget, full implementation has not been carried out. They also claimed that only partial adjustments were made to their benefits, leaving a significant balance unpaid.

The retirees further expressed concern over worsening living conditions, saying some members have died in recent years, which they attributed to health and financial pressures.They urged the state government to implement the court ruling and fulfil earlier commitments to resolve the matter. The Kaduna State Government has not issued a formal response at the time of filing this report.