Kaduna State Governor, Uba Sani, has ordered the immediate release of the sum of N3.8 billion to the Kaduna State Pension Bureau for payment of gratuities, death benefits and accrued rights in the Contributory Pension Scheme.

The spokesman to the governor, Ibraheem Musa, said the order was given after considering the passionate pleas of the pensioners and families of deceased civil servants, who complained that the ongoing verification exercise had impacted negatively on their living conditions.

He said the governor restated that the verification exercise is aimed at weeding out ghost pensioners from the payroll in order to curtail the frittering away of the state’s meagre resources.

Musa said Sani assured pensioners in the state of his unwavering commitment to their welfare, adding that he’s determined to clean up the payroll “to ensure seamless and uninterrupted payment of monthly pensions.”

He quoted the governor as saying, “The senior citizens devoted their lives to the service of Kaduna State and must be given all the needed support to make them happy in retirement.”

The spokesman said Sani further assured of the speedy completion of the verification exercise, so that Kaduna pensioners will enjoy uninterrupted payment.

He said the governor commended the pensioners for their patience, understanding and continued support to his administration.

Since assuming office in May 2023, Sani has paid gratuities, death benefits and accrued rights to the tune of N6.6 billion.