Nasarawa Pensioners Push for ₦4 Billion in Unpaid Benefits Through Court Order

A group of 601 retired civil servants in Nasarawa State has started enforcing a court order to recover more than ₦4 billion in unpaid benefits from the state government. The pensioners, part of the Concerned Group of Nasarawa State Pensioners, secured a court ruling in 2020 regarding their retirement payments.

Spokespersons for the group, Mr. Simon Auna and Mallam Usman Adamu, shared this news with reporters in Lafia. They explained that the National Industrial Court in Makurdi awarded an additional 25 percent interest on the amount owed, raising the total to over ₦4 billion.

After the state government allegedly failed to comply with the court’s ruling, the pensioners’ lawyers sought further action from the Senior District Court in Makurdi. This court ordered six commercial banks to release funds belonging to the state government to pay the retirees.

To enforce the court order, the pensioners’ legal team, along with court bailiffs, visited some bank branches in Makurdi. They removed certain movable properties as part of the enforcement process.

Mrs. Doofan Sefa-Aii, a lawyer for the pensioners, stated that they would continue to work within the law to recover the funds owed. Another lawyer, Mr. Awo Matthew, urged the state government and the banks to cooperate, highlighting the difficulties the pensioners have faced while seeking their payments.

In response, Mr. Usman Aliyu from the Nasarawa State Ministry of Justice said the government is taking necessary legal steps, including seeking a delay in the enforcement of the court order. The pensioners expressed hope that this court order marks a significant step toward receiving their long-awaited benefits and are committed to pursuing their entitlements through legal means.