The Zamfara state government has approved an upward review of pension salaries for state and local government retirees as part of measures aimed at improving the welfare of senior citizens and former public servants in the state.
The approval was granted by governor Dauda Lawal following recommendations submitted by a special committee and the Office of the Accountant General after a comprehensive assessment of pensioners’ conditions across the state.
According to a statement issued on Monday by the Zamfara State Ministry of Information and Culture, the committee was tasked with examining the challenges faced by pensioners, particularly those within the lower income category whose earnings had become inadequate due to prevailing economic conditions.
The government said the review aligns with the recent Federal Government circular on consequential adjustment arising from the implementation of the National Minimum Wage (Amended) Act 2024, which recommended a baseline monthly increase of N32,000 for pensioners nationwide.
Following deliberations and an assessment of the state’s financial capacity, the Zamfara State Government approved what it described as the “100 percent implementation option” for both state and local government pensioners.
Under the new arrangement, thousands of retirees are expected to benefit from the increase, which the government said is designed to cushion the effects of rising living costs and improve the welfare of pensioners who served the state over the years.
Governor Lawal reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of workers and retirees, stressing that the government would continue to pursue policies and programmes that promote social protection, economic stability, and improved living conditions for citizens.
The state government also directed all relevant agencies and stakeholders to ensure the seamless implementation of the approved pension adjustment to guarantee timely payment to beneficiaries.