Dikko Umaru Radda, the Governor of Katsina State, has revealed that the state has amassed savings exceeding Nineteen Billion Naira (₦19bn) from its Contributory Pension Fund from June 2023 to December 2025. During this period, the investments also generated additional returns of over Six Hundred and Sixty-Eight Million Naira (₦668m).
The governor made this announcement on Wednesday while hosting representatives from the Katsina State Chapter of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) at the Government House in Katsina. The union members visited to express gratitude for the recent pension payments and the clearance of outstanding gratuities.
Governor Radda elaborated that the creation of the Pension Transition Board and the Pension Bureau was designed to facilitate the consistent, transparent, and prompt payment of pensions to retirees throughout the state.
He highlighted that prudent management of financial resources allowed the state government to settle all outstanding gratuities due to retirees and the families of deceased workers, utilizing savings made following the payment of salaries and operational expenses.
“This initiative acknowledges the sacrifices and commitment of our workforce, who dedicated their lives to advancing the development of Katsina State. We must ensure they experience dignity during retirement and security for their families,” the governor stated.
He assured the pensioners that their well-being is a primary focus of his administration, directing the union leadership to formally submit their requests to the Head of Service for appropriate consideration and action.
During the visit, Surajo Abdu Daura, Chairman of the NUP in the state, expressed appreciation to the governor for his dedication to the welfare of retirees, particularly regarding the payment of gratuity arrears that are estimated to exceed Forty-Five Billion Naira (₦45bn). He also praised the inclusion of pensioners in the Contributory Healthcare Scheme and urged the governor to resolve challenges impeding its effective execution.
Additionally, the NUP Chairman requested a review of uniform deductions from pensions regardless of various grade levels, urging improvements to the Union’s secretariat and the provision of a vehicle to support the Union’s operations.
In remarks made by the Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Katsina State, Comrade Nasiru Wada, representing organized labor, he commended Governor Radda's leadership, describing the resolution of gratuity backlogs for retirees and families of deceased workers as a monumental achievement.
He pledged the NLC's continuing support for the governor's policies and initiatives aimed at enhancing the welfare of workers and pensioners within the state. Attending the meeting were senior government officials alongside leaders from various labor and pensioner associations.
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