Kwara govt increases retirees pension

The Kwara State Government has announced a monthly pension increment of N10,000 for all retirees under its public service, with effect from May 1, 2025.

However, the state emphasized that only pensioners registered with the Kwara State Resident Registration Agency (KWSRRA) will benefit from the new payment structure.

The decision followed a meeting between the government and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council, prompted by a formal request from the Nigerian Union of Pensioners on May 23, 2025.

Dr. Hauwa Nuru, the state’s Commissioner for Finance, confirmed the development in a statement released by the ministry’s press secretary. She described the increment as part of the administration’s commitment to easing the financial burden of elderly citizens and ensuring dignity for those who have served the state.

“The pension increase will apply across board to all retirees in the state public service,” Dr. Nuru said. “This is a step toward improving the welfare of our senior citizens.”

However, she expressed concern that over 73 percent of pensioners have yet to complete their mandatory registration with KWSRRA, despite repeated appeals and multiple registration windows offered by the government.

According to her, the new payment structure will only be disbursed to verified pensioners who have completed their registration. She added that the decision is part of the government’s broader effort to sanitize the payroll system and prevent fraud.

Dr. Nuru also revealed that the government had uncovered deliberate attempts to frustrate the verification process. “Investigations point to a coordinated effort by some individuals to manipulate the system for personal gain. The case has been reported to the police for proper handling,” she disclosed.