Enugu Set To Digitalize Pension Payment, Uncovers 2,640 Ghost Beneficiaries

By Ayodele Oni

As Enugu state Government moves to clear backlog of salaries and pensions inherited from previous administration, it has uncovered nothing less than 2,640 ghost and deceased pensioners on its payroll.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia who disclosed this, said the administration was making effort to reform pension payment in the state.

He said; “Recall that the governor of Enugu State, Dr. Peter Mbah, had earlier promised that his administration was poised to eradicate poverty in the state by clearing the inherited backlog of pensions and other liabilities, and also keep up with its current fiscal responsibility to the citizens, among other measures.

“This will improve our people’s standard of living, raise purchasing power and promote strong and sustainable economic growth in the state.

“A total of 7109 local government pensioners received monthly payments of close to half a billion naira in July, including 989 newly captured entrants who retired between April 2022 and April 2024 but were not accommodated in the pension scheme.

“The record provided by the Local Government Pensions Board indicate that the state has been paying over 8,760 local government retirees as of April 2024, against the 7109 verified pensioners.

“The payment mode adopted by the state will guarantee that backlogs are phased out within the timeline set out by the government.

“This administration will continue to support our citizens, particularly our senior citizens, who dedicated their time and energy serving the state.

“We will soon phase out all arrears inherited by the administration. We are reforming the pensions system through strong institutional policies that would make it difficult for corrupt elements to find their way into the scheme.

“We have been able to digitalize the institution with measures that would make every transaction and payment transparent, accountable and traceable.”