Despite Massive Fund on Security, Borno Remains Committed To Welfare Of Citizens- Pensioners

The Borno State chapter of the National Union of Pensioners (NUP) has stated that despite the massive funds spent on security in the state, the governor, Professor Babagana Zulum, has remained focused and committed to the welfare of citizens, particularly the timely payment of pensions, salaries, and gratuities.

The commendation was given by the state’s NUP Chairman, Comrade Musa Alhaji Bukar, during a meeting in Maiduguri with executives from 30 branches, including those from 27 local government areas.

Comrade Bukar stated that the governor’s directive to increase the monthly fund for outstanding gratuities for state retirees from N100 million to N200 million has significantly improved the lives and families of many, thereby contributing to economic development.

The NUP Chairman also stated that Governor Zulum paid 50% pension arrears to 1,115 state retirees for the years 2021-2022 last year, in addition to clearing pension outstanding arrears for 534 retirees across 27 local government areas.

He emphasised that the payment of 25% gratuity to 500 primary school teachers, the settlement of gratuities for Local Government Retirees, the continuous payment of monthly pensions without delay, the resolution of 25% payments to late cases in the state, and the clearance of 399 outstanding pension arrears to the primary school board are all significant steps forward. He praised the government’s quick approval and release of billions of naira, and urged it to continue its support by reviewing pensions to help retirees cope with the rising cost of goods and services in his state.

“Let me take this opportunity to thank everyone for accepting this invitation. “It is an opportunity for us to meet and discuss our accomplishments and the way forward,” Comrade Bukar stated. “On behalf of the NUP in Borno, I commend Governor Babagana Zulum for his commitment to improving the plight of retirees through timely payment of pensions and gratuities.”

He continued, “We greatly appreciate Governor Zulum for increasing payments of outstanding gratuities to our state retirees, which has transformed many lives and families towards economic development.”

Bukar urged the government not to rest on its laurels, but to help pensioners by adjusting pensions to assist those with limited funds in coping with the state’s inflation of goods and services.

Meanwhile, among the communiqués issued at the conclusion of the NUP meeting was a strong call for other state governors to follow Zulum’s lead in addressing the plight of citizens, particularly retired and serving civil servants, and to foster unity among its members.