The Nasarawa State Pension Bureau in the Local Government Department, says the State Government has earmarked N5.2 billion for the payment of pensions and gratuities of Local Government Pensioners in the State.
The Director of Finance and Account of the Bureau, Mr Emmanuel Ombugadu, disclosed this when the management of the bureau appeared before the State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs on its 2023 budget defence today in Lafia.
Ombugadu commended Governor Abdullahi Sule for prioritizing the welfare of pensioners in the State.
“I want to commend the committee for supporting our activities to succeed. All our successes recorded were as a result of the support that you are giving to us and we are enjoying from you.
“We want to assure that we will continue to be up and doing in the payment of pensions and gratuities to local government retirees for their improved standard of living,” he said.
The Director said that the bureau has budgeted N5.2 billion for the payment of pensions and gratuities of local government pensioners in 2023.
He disclosed that the bureau has paid over N4.4 billion to local government pensioners from January to November 2022 in the State.
“From 2011 to date, we have N27billion outstanding pension in the State,” he said
The DFA said that the pension was growing by 12 percent every month in the State.
Mohammed Alkali, the Chairman of the Committee appreciated the pension Bureau ( Local Government Department) for its good 2023 budget presentation.
“We are happy and impressed with your records and good budget presentations. Kudos to your efforts, keep it up,” he added.
The Chairman urged the management of the bureau to continue to ensure prompt payment of pensions to pensioners in the State.
Also appearing before the committee was the management of the Local Government Service Commission where the Chairman of the committee, said that the House would review the law establishing the Local Government Service Commission to tackle the funding and other challenges facing the commission and local government system.
He said that reviewing the law establishing the commission would also enhance efficiency and productivity among the staff of the local government areas.
“Go and bring a draft for the review as the law establishing the commission needs to be reviewed.
“As this law has been in existing for so many years without reviewing and the review of the law will boost grassroots development, “ he said.
Alkali assured the commission of the committee’s support at all times to enable it to succeed.
Responding, the Chairman of the Commission, Sani Bawa, appreciated the committee for the support the commission is enjoying from them and called for its sustenance.
Bawa assured them of training and retraining of local government staff for effective service delivery and optimal productivity.
The Chairman, however, appealed for the reviewing of the law establishing the commission to address challenges of funding and other challenges facing the commission.
Also appearing before the committee was the Ministry for Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, where the Permanent Secretary, Aliyu Agwai lauded the committee for their support in ensuring the development of the ministry and local government areas.
Agwai disclosed that the state government planned to renovate the palaces of traditional rulers in 2023.
He, however, solicited continuous support from the committee to enable the ministry to succeed at all times.
Alkali, the Chairman of the Committee assured the ministry of its support and effective synergy with the state government for grassroots development adding that the ministry was critical to the development of the local government
PIAK
