The Zamfara State Government has approved an upward review of pensions for state and local government retirees as part of efforts to ease the impact of rising living costs on senior citizens.
The approval was announced in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Culture, Mahmud Dantawasa.
According to the statement, the decision followed recommendations from a special committee and the Office of the Accountant General after a review of pensioners’ welfare, especially those on lower income levels.
The government said the adjustment became necessary due to prevailing economic conditions and aligns with the Federal Government’s consequential adjustment tied to the implementation of the National Minimum Wage (Amended) Act 2024, which proposed a minimum monthly increase of ₦32,000 for pensioners.
Authorities disclosed that after assessing available resources, the state approved what it described as a full implementation option for both state and local government retirees.
The statement noted that thousands of pensioners are expected to benefit from the new arrangement, which is aimed at cushioning the effects of the high cost of living.
The government also reaffirmed its commitment to the welfare of workers and retirees under the administration of Governor Dauda Lawal, stressing that policies promoting social protection and economic stability would continue to receive priority attention.
It added that all relevant agencies and stakeholders have been directed to ensure the smooth implementation and timely payment of the revised pension structure to beneficiaries.
