Adamawa Govt Increases Monthly Pension To N50,000

 

By Ayodele Oni

From paltry N4,000 as monthly take home by pensioners in Adamawa state, a new lease of life has come following an increment of over 1,000 for them in a new package announced by the state government.

Governor Ahmadu Fintiri approved a new minimum monthly pension of ₦50,000 for retired civil servants, bringing an end to decades of complaints over the state’s lowest pension payment of ₦4,000.

The governor announced the development during a live appearance on the Hausa programme Taba Kidi Taba Karatu aired on the Adamawa Broadcasting Corporation (ABC), Yola.

Fintiri described the previous minimum pension as an injustice that had persisted for many years, saying his administration considered it necessary to correct the situation in recognition of the sacrifices made by retired public servants.

According to the governor, the increase is part of his administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of pensioners and ensuring that retirees enjoy a more dignified standard of living after years of service.

He noted that the decision reflects the government’s appreciation for the contributions of retired civil servants and complements ongoing efforts to enhance the welfare of both active and retired workers across the state.

The new minimum pension represents a substantial increase of ₦46,000, translating to a 1,150 per cent rise from the previous minimum monthly payment of ₦4,000.

For years, pensioners in Adamawa State have lamented the low pension, arguing that the amount had become grossly inadequate in the face of rising living costs and inflation.

The issue has remained a major concern for retirees, many of whom have repeatedly appealed to successive administrations for an upward review of their monthly entitlements.

Although the Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Adamawa State chapter, Mohammed Sali, could not be reached for comment, he had, about a month ago, disclosed that the state’s least-paid pensioners had been receiving ₦4,000 monthly for over two decades.

The announcement is expected to bring significant relief to thousands of retirees in the state, particularly those at the lower end of the pension scale who have struggled to meet basic needs under the previous payment structure.

The latest adjustment also aligns with broader efforts by state governments across Nigeria to review workers’ salaries and pension benefits in response to current economic realities and the increasing cost of living.