KEY POINTS

• Bauchi State has paid ₦5.2 billion in gratuities to state and local government retirees who left service between 2012 and 2014.
• Local government retirees received ₦3.1 billion, while state government retirees received ₦2.1 billion.
• Payments to workers who retired in 2015 are scheduled to begin on Monday.
• Officials say missing pension files and low turnout among some retirees have slowed parts of the exercise.

MAIN STORY

The Bauchi State Government has disbursed ₦5.2 billion in gratuities to workers who retired from state and local government service between 2012 and 2014, with payments to those who retired in 2015 scheduled to begin on Monday.

Ibrahim Inuwa, Executive Secretary of the Bauchi State Contributory Pension Commission, disclosed this on Sunday in Bauchi while reviewing progress in the ongoing payment exercise.

According to Inuwa, the government has paid ₦3.1 billion to local government retirees and ₦2.1 billion to state government retirees since the exercise began three weeks ago. He said the total amount disbursed was expected to rise as payments continued.

Inuwa advised workers who retired in 2015 to contact pension desk officers in their respective local government areas to obtain information on the requirements and procedures for receiving their gratuities.

Kabir Sizwe, an official of the disbursement committee, said the exercise was progressing smoothly despite challenges, including difficulties locating the files of some retirees.

He said the relevant agencies were working to trace missing files so that affected retirees could be identified and paid their entitlements.

Kola Oyerinde also urged retirees who missed the payment exercises for 2012, 2013 and 2014 to come forward for verification and processing.

He disclosed that 442 of the 583 state government retirees expected for the 2014 exercise had participated, while 670 of the 769 expected local government retirees had turned up.

Oyerinde assured retirees that the allocated funds were available and urged those who had yet to receive their benefits to complete the necessary procedures.

THE ISSUES

Gratuities are lump-sum payments due to workers when they leave public service. For retirees who have waited years for these payments, receiving the money can help meet household expenses, settle debts and cover other financial commitments.

However, the payment figures show that some retirees are yet to complete the process. Missing files and failure to attend verification exercises can prevent eligible beneficiaries from receiving their money, even when funds have been allocated.

The government will need to ensure that records are traced, beneficiaries are properly verified and payments reach those entitled to them. Clear communication about requirements and payment schedules will also help retirees understand what they need to do.

WHAT’S BEING SAID

• “The total amount disbursed was expected to increase as payment progressed.” – Ibrahim Inuwa, Executive Secretary, Bauchi State Contributory Pension Commission.
• “The exercise was progressing smoothly in spite of challenges, including difficulties associated with locating files of some retirees.” – Kabir Sizwe, disbursement committee official.
• “The funds allocated were available.” – Kola Oyerinde.

WHAT’S NEXT

Payments to retirees who left service in 2015 are scheduled to begin on Monday. Those affected should contact pension desk officers in their local government areas for details on the process.

Retirees who missed earlier payment exercises should also come forward for verification and processing. Officials will need to resolve outstanding documentation issues to enable eligible beneficiaries to receive their gratuities.

BOTTOM LINE

Bauchi has paid ₦5.2 billion to retirees from 2012 to 2014 and is preparing to extend payments to those who retired in 2015. The next priority is to ensure that retirees with outstanding claims complete verification and that missing records do not prevent eligible beneficiaries from receiving their money.