By Mu’awuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Katsina State Government has reassured workers and retirees that the new Pension Scheme introduced by the administration of Governor Dikko Umaru Radda is designed to safeguard, rather than deny, the rights and benefits of retired workers.
The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Alhaji Bishir Gambo Dutsinma, gave the assurance while responding to concerns raised over the scheme during the public hearing on the proposed 2027 Katsina State Budget held at the State House of Assembly.
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According to the commissioner, the pension reform was introduced to address the persistent delays in the payment of monthly pensions and gratuities, which had subjected many retirees to hardship under the previous system.
He explained that the new contributory pension scheme represents the most sustainable approach to ensuring that workers receive their retirement benefits promptly and consistently.
“The Pension Scheme is the best option for ensuring sustainable payment of pensions and gratuities. It was introduced to address the hardship experienced by workers after retirement,” Gambo said.
He assured workers that the state government had put in place all necessary measures to ensure the successful implementation of the scheme and urged them not to be apprehensive about the reform.
Gambo also called on labour unions to intensify public enlightenment on the benefits of the new pension scheme, noting that inadequate awareness had contributed to misconceptions and fears among workers.
The commissioner further commended Governor Dikko Umaru Radda for settling outstanding gratuities amounting to ₦42 billion, describing the move as a demonstration of the administration’s commitment to the welfare of retirees.
Earlier, the Chairman of the House Committee on Appropriation, Hon. Lawal H. Yaro, said the public hearing was part of the constitutional responsibility of the State House of Assembly to obtain stakeholders’ contributions for the effective implementation of the 2027 budget.
He assured participants that the Assembly would carefully consider all submissions made during the hearing in the overall interest of Katsina State.
The public hearing was attended by representatives of civil society organisations, labour groups, and senior government officials, who presented their views on the proposed 2027 budget.
