,,,,, Breaks 20-year-old stagnation record.
By Maryam Abubakar Gulma.
Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo has approved a N10,000 harmonization allowance for Kogi pensioners.
He made this announcement on Tuesday at the Government House in Lokoja while meeting with the leadership of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners.
The governor also declared that the Health Insurance Scheme for pensioners at both the state and local government levels has commenced. He added that pensioners receiving less than NGN 50,000 would enjoy 100% health care support, while those earning above NGN 50,000 would receive a token for health services.
Elijah Evenemi, the State Head of Service, mentioned that before the Ododo administration’s increment, the lowest-paid pensioner in the state received NGN 2,021.
He expressed delight that Governor Ododo had changed this narrative, noting that the least-paid pensioner in the state will now take home NGN 12,021.
When presenting the Pensions Lift Report, Evenemi explained that harmonization is a balance between willingness and fiscal strength, adding that Governor Ododo is allocating state resources where they are most impactful.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Ohida Otaru, expressed gratitude to the governor for the timely payment of pensions since he took office. He recalled that the last time pensions in the state were harmonized was in 2004.
Our correspondent recalls that
on Monday, October 7, 2024, Kogi State workers and local government employees saw Governor Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo fulfill his promise to improve their welfare.
He not only implemented the national minimum wage of N70,000 but raised it to N72,500, sparking joy among workers and their families. This move, celebrated by labor unions and the public, marks a historic step for workers’ welfare in the state.
In addition, Governor Ododo announced a year-long tax relief, eliminating all PAYE deductions from civil servants’ salaries.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
