By Emmanuel Awari-Jalingo
Following the approval by the Taraba State Governor Dr Abgu Kefas, the State Local Government Staff Pension Board has officially begun enrolling another batch of 1,225 Local Government retirees into its monthly pension.
The ceremony took place at the Taraba State Local Government Staff Pension Board this Wednesday, the 8th of July 2026
At the official enrolment event, the Taraba State Governor, Dr Agbu Kefas, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Gibon Kataps, congratulated the beneficiaries and thanked them for their years of service to the State.
He assured them that the government would continue to release funds to settle outstanding pension and gratuity obligations.
He also mentioned that efforts are underway to ensure that retiring civil servants are enrolled into the pension scheme without delay, urging the beneficiaries to use their retirement benefits wisely.
He reaffirmed the State government’s commitment to the welfare of retired local government workers with the start of another enrolment batch.
Also speaking, the Head of Civil Service, Taraba State, Dr Ahmed Hamidu Kara, stated that ongoing reforms have made it easier for retirees to access their benefits.
He added that the State Government is working to settle outstanding gratuities and create a smooth retirement process, while praising the Governor for prioritising the welfare of workers and retirees.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Local Government Staff Pension Board, Thomas Daniel Maiyanga, described the exercise as the third of its kind under the current administration and noted that the beneficiaries would receive pensions based on the new minimum wage.
He also mentioned that a new policy has been introduced to ensure future retirees are enrolled and start receiving their pensions without unnecessary delays.
On his part, the Permanent Secretary, Taraba State Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Godfrey Dame, commended the Governor and other key government officials for supporting reforms that have enhanced pension administration in the State.
He reaffirmed the bureau’s commitment to ensuring the prompt payment of pensions to retired local government workers.
In separate remarks, some dignitaries who attended the occasion praised the Taraba State Government for expanding access to monthly pension payments.
They described the enrolment of another batch of local government retirees into the pension payroll as a positive development and thanked the Governor and the Pension Board for their efforts in improving the welfare of retired workers.
For many retired local government workers in Taraba State, the years after leaving active service have often been marked by uncertainty, financial hardship, and prolonged waits for pension benefits.
However, a new chapter is unfolding as the Taraba State Local Government Staff Pension Board begins enrolling another 1,225 retirees in the state’s monthly pension scheme.
The exercise represents more than an administrative process.
It offers renewed hope to senior citizens who devoted decades of their lives to public service and have long anticipated the security that regular pension payments provide.
Across the state, retired workers have welcomed the development as a significant step towards improving their welfare. For many, a stable monthly pension means the ability to meet basic needs, access healthcare, support family members, and live with greater dignity after years of service to their communities.
Officials of the Local Government Staff Pension Board describe the enrolment as part of the government’s commitment to ensuring that retired local government employees receive their entitlements in an organised and sustainable manner. The inclusion of 1,225 additional pensioners is expected to reduce the backlog of retirees awaiting admission into the monthly payroll.
The initiative also reflects the state government’s broader efforts to strengthen public confidence in the pension administration system.
By expanding the number of beneficiaries, the government seeks to demonstrate its resolve to prioritise the welfare of retired workers while promoting transparency and accountability in pension management.
Pension experts have consistently argued that prompt and regular pension payments contribute not only to the wellbeing of retirees but also to economic stability.
Monthly pension disbursements inject income into local communities, support small businesses, and reduce poverty among elderly citizens who often have limited alternative sources of income.
For Taraba’s retirees, the enrolment exercise is a recognition of years of dedication and sacrifice. Many spent decades serving in local government councils, contributing to grassroots development through education, healthcare, agriculture, public administration, and other essential services.
The latest enrolment is expected to encourage serving local government employees by assuring them that their years of service will be rewarded upon retirement.
Confidence in pension administration remains an important factor in maintaining morale within the public service.
As the Pension Board continues the enrolment process, beneficiaries are optimistic that the programme will be implemented efficiently and that monthly payments will commence without unnecessary delays.
They also hope that eligible retirees who are yet to be captured will soon be accommodated in subsequent batches.
The enrolment of 1,225 additional retirees into the monthly pension scheme is more than a numerical achievement. It is a demonstration of the state’s commitment to social protection, respect for senior citizens, and recognition of the invaluable contributions made by local government workers throughout their careers.
For hundreds of families across Taraba State, the exercise signals not only financial relief but also the restoration of hope, dignity, and peace of mind in retirement.
The beneficiaries, drawn from all 16 Local Government Areas, include retired primary school teachers, Local Government staff, Primary Health Care Development Agency personnel, and Traditional Council employees.
This marks the third pension enrollment exercise under Governor Kefas’ administration, bringing the total number of Local Government retirees enrolled into the monthly pension payroll to 3,525.
The exercise reflects the Kefas administration’s dedication to ensuring that retired public servants receive their pensions promptly while promoting transparency, accountability, and dignity for senior citizens.