Zamfara approves pension hike for state, LG retirees

The Zamfara State Government has approved an upward review of pension for state and local government retirees, saying the move is aimed at improving the welfare of senior citizens amid rising living costs.

The approval was disclosed in a statement signed on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mahmud Dantawasa.

The statement said the decision followed recommendations submitted after a comprehensive review conducted by a special committee and the Office of the Accountant General, which assessed the condition of pensioners, particularly those in the lower income bracket.

It explained that the exercise was necessitated by current economic realities that have made existing pension payments inadequate for many retirees.

The review also aligned with a Federal Government circular on consequential adjustment arising from the implementation of the National Minimum Wage (Amended) Act 2024, which recommended a baseline increase of ₦32,000 monthly for pensioners.

According to the statement, after a detailed assessment of available resources, the state government approved what it described as a 100 per cent implementation option for both state and local government pensioners.

It said, “Following detailed deliberations and assessment of available resources, the Zamfara State Government approved the 100 per cent implementation option for both State and Local Government pensioners.”

The government added that the adjustment would benefit thousands of retirees across the state.

“Under the new arrangement, thousands of pensioners across the State and Local Government system are expected to benefit from the increase, which is aimed at cushioning the effects of rising living costs,” the statement said.

It further quoted the government as reaffirming its commitment to pensioners’ welfare under Governor Dauda Lawal’s administration.

“The Zamfara State Government under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, Governor Dauda Lawal, has approved the upward review of pension salaries for State and Local Government retirees across the state,” it said.

The statement added that the administration would continue to prioritise social protection and economic stability.

“Governor Dauda Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising the welfare of workers and pensioners, noting that the government will continue to implement policies and programmes that promote social protection, economic stability, and improved living conditions for citizens,” it said.

It also stated that all relevant agencies had been directed to ensure the smooth implementation of the new pension structure.

The government has directed all relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure the seamless implementation of the approved pension salary adjustment for timely payment to beneficiaries,” the statement added.

The government said the policy is expected to improve the living conditions of retirees who served the state over the years, while strengthening its broader welfare framework for vulnerable groups.