After decades of waiting, retired public servants in Plateau State are finally seeing light at the end of the tunnel as Governor Caleb Mutfwang’s administration releases long-overdue pension benefits dating back to 1986.
For many retirees, the hope of ever receiving their entitlements had dwindled over the years, with some enduring meager pension payments as low as N5,000. 
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Previous attempts to secure their dues, even amidst salary increments for active workers, had yielded little progress.
Governor Mutfwang’s commitment to inclusive governance and fulfilling obligations to citizens brought renewed optimism.
Upon assuming office, he swiftly cleared a backlog of salaries owed to striking workers and fostered improved government-labor relations through collaborative retreats.
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Taking decisive action, Governor Mutfwang approved the payment of pension and gratuity arrears from 1986 onwards, providing much-needed relief to retirees.
Additionally, Hazard Allowances for medical professionals were raised, and civil servants received a boost with the implementation of the N30,000 minimum wage and a N12,000 fuel subsidy removal palliative.
Under the governor’s leadership, essential support measures were extended, including overhead payments to Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, restoration of electricity to the State Secretariat, and distribution of palliatives such as rice, maize, and fertilizer to alleviate economic hardships.
The State Head of Civil Service, Mrs. Rauta Dakok, confirmed the monthly release of Three Hundred Million Naira (N300,000,000.00) towards settling pension arrears and death benefits.
She also announced the upward review of minimum monthly pensions to N20,000 effective from January 2024, signaling a significant improvement in retirees’ financial security.
Mr. Ben Bello, the State Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, lauded Governor Mutfwang’s administration for its proactive approach to addressing pensioners’ concerns.
With payments clearing arrears up to 2009 and ongoing efforts to resolve outstanding cases, pensioners expressed gratitude for the governor’s commitment to their welfare and timely salary payments.
As retirees finally receive their long-awaited benefits, Governor Mutfwang’s administration earns praise for its tangible efforts to alleviate the plight of pensioners and uphold the dignity of public service.
