Gov. Sule earmarks 5.2billion for LG pension payment

Nasarawa State Pension Bureau (Local Government Department), said on Monday that it has earmarked N5.2 billion for the payment of pensions and gratuities of local government pensioners in the state.

Mr Emmanuel Ombugadu, the Director of Finance and Accounts (DFA) of the Bureau, disclosed this when the management of the bureau (Local Government Department) appeared before state House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs on its 2023 budget in Lafia.

Ombugadu commended Gov. Abdullahi Sule for prioritizing the welfare of pensioners in the State.

“I want to commend the committee for supporting our activities to succeed.

“All of our successes recorded came as a result of the support that you are giving to us as well 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.

Ombugadu said that the bureau budgeted N5.2billion 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 per cent every month in the state.

Alhaji 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 its up,” he added.

The chairman urged the management of the bureau to continue to ensure prompt payment of pension to pensioners in the state.

Also appeared 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.

This, he said, would tackle the funding and other challenges facing the commission and local government system.

He said the law, when reviewed, would also enhance efficiency and productivity among staff of the local government areas.

“I have decided to invite you to enable the commission defend its 2023 budget.

“It is a normal ritual as it is for us to look into your budget so that together, we will come with a clean documents for the state government to work with in 2023.

“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 for them to succeed.

Responding, Alhaji Sani Bawa, the Chairman of the Commission, appreciated the committee for the support the commission is enjoying from them and called for its sustenance.

Bawa assured 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 commission.

Speaking when he appeared before the committee, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development, Alhaji 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 palaces of traditional rulers in 2023.

He, however, solicited for continuous support of the committee to enable the ministry succeed at all times.

Responding, the Chairman of the Committee assured the ministry of its support to them at all times.

Alkali said that the ministry was critical to the development of the local government, hence the need of the committee’s support in that direction.

The chairman assured of effective synergy with the state government for grassroots development in the state.