Niger State Government’s Pension Debt Rises to N28 Billion Under Governor Bago

A recent review of the Niger State audit report for the 2023 financial year has revealed a staggering increase in the state government’s pension debt. The debt has risen to N28 billion, up from N10.5 billion in 2022.

This  comes as pensioners in the state have been protesting against the non-payment of their pensions. In January 2023, scores of pensioners took to the streets, marching from the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre to the Government House.

Another protest occurred in March 2023, with pensioners demanding payment of their pension and gratuity, which had been pending for over five years.

Although the Niger State government approved N25 billion for payment of pension and gratuities in June 2024, the impact of this move on the state’s pension debt portfolio remains to be seen.

As of November, Niger State was listed among the states in the country owing pensions, raising concerns about the commitment of state governments to offsetting gratuities and pension arrears.

The rising pension debt in Niger State has left many retired workers in severe hardship and harsh economic conditions.