Sokoto Retirees Decry 23-Year Pension Stagnation, Demand Urgent Review

Retired civil servants in Sokoto State, especially from local governments, have raised concerns over decades of neglect and stagnant pensions, calling on the state government to act immediately.

According to Malam Muhammad Garba, Secretary of the Sokoto State Retired Civil Servants Association, pensions in the state have not been increased for over 23 years, with the last adjustment made during the Attahiru Bafarawa administration, which raised pensions to a meager ₦4,000.

Garba blamed former Governor Aliyu Wamakko’s administration for withdrawing state workers from the National Contributory Pension Scheme, a move he described as misguided.

He pointed out that Sokoto retirees are still receiving pensions based on outdated salary structures, despite the implementation of new national minimum wages of ₦18,000, ₦30,000, and most recently ₦70,000.

“Three constitutional pension reviews have taken place, but none have been implemented in Sokoto,” he said, citing Section 210 of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates pension reviews every five years or whenever workers’ salaries are increased.

The situation is especially dire for local government retirees, with many still unverified and unpaid years after retirement. Garba described the situation as unconstitutional and inhumane, urging the Ahmed Aliyu-led administration to prioritize the welfare of its senior citizens.