Majority of Kwara Pensioners Yet to Register Despite New N10,000 Monthly Increase

More than 73% of retired state workers are yet to comply, in spite of the Kwara State Government’s nearly one-year campaign urging pensioners to register with the Kwara State Resident Registration Agency (KWSRRA), the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Hauwa Nuru, has disclosed.

Speaking in a statement issued by her office, Dr. Nuru said the registration exercise is now a prerequisite for receiving monthly pension payments.

“We have been on this campaign for nearly one year. The government has given enough time and opportunity for all workers and pensioners to register. We are now left with no choice but to pay only those whose details can be verified,” she said.

She explained that the move aligns with the government’s commitment to sanitizing the public payroll system and freeing up resources for other developmental needs.

Dr. Nuru further revealed that the state has uncovered a network of fraud within the payroll system, allegedly orchestrated by a cartel seeking to undermine the verification process.

“This cartel is using every means to frustrate the KWSRRA process and block the verification of genuine pensioners and workers. We are closing in on them, and the matter has been reported to the police for investigation and prosecution,” she stated.

In a related development, the state government has approved a N10,000 increase in monthly pension for all pensioners, effective from May 1, 2025.

The increment follows an agreement between the government and the Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JNC), backed by the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP).

Labour unions have welcomed the gesture, describing it as a positive step towards improving the welfare of senior citizens in the state.

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