By Suzan Edeh, Bauchi
The Bauchi State Government has inaugurated the newly constituted Bauchi State Contributory Pension Commission, with a charge to reposition the pension system and ensure the welfare of retirees.
The inauguration was performed by the Secretary to the State Government Hon. Aminu Hammayo at the government house Bauchi.
Hammayo urged the commission to be committed to effective and transparent management of the state’s pension scheme, stressing that the commission’s core mandate is to guarantee timely payment of retirement benefits, reduce poverty among the elderly and ensure seamless transition from active service to retirement.
The SSG highlighted the challenges of the old pension scheme, citing inadequate funding with over 30 billion Naira in outstanding liabilities.
He explained that the state government has now adopted a fully funded contributory pension scheme, which mandates both employers and employees to contribute a portion of monthly earnings into the pension fund, a reform that him is aimed at restoring sustainability and trust in the pension system.
In his response, the newly appointed chairman of the commission, Alhaji Sabiu Baba, who was a former Secretary to the State Government, assured the Governor and people of Bauchi State of the commission’s readiness to discharge its duties diligently.
He pledged that the commission would uphold transparency and accountability, and adhere to the government’s directive to submit annual reports, audited accounts and quarterly financial statements in line with best practices.
The inauguration marks a critical step in the pension reform efforts of the Bala Mohammed administration aimed at securing the future of public service retirees.