A review of the Niger State audit report for the 2023 financial year reveals that the state government, led by Governor Umar Bago, now owes a staggering N28 billion in pension arrears. This figure marks a significant increase from the N10.5 billion recorded in 2022.
The mounting debt has sparked widespread protests among pensioners in Niger State, who have repeatedly called on Governor Bago to address their plight. In January 2023, numerous pensioners demonstrated against the non-payment of their pensions, marching from the Justice Idris Legbo Kutigi International Conference Centre to the Government House.
In March 2023, another wave of protests erupted, with pensioners demanding the payment of pensions and gratuities that had been outstanding for over five years.
While reports indicated that in June 2024, the Niger State government approved N25 billion for the payment of pensions and gratuities, the effectiveness of this allocation in alleviating the state’s pension debt remains uncertain.
As of November, Niger State has been identified as one of the states in Nigeria with significant pension arrears. Concerns persist regarding the commitment of state governments to settle gratuities and pension debts, leaving former state employees facing severe economic hardships.