Enugu Uncovers Ghost Pensioners
The Enugu State Government has uncovered 2,640 ghost pensioners during a recent verification exercise and has commenced disbursing pensions to eligible local government retirees.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Chidiebere Onyia, announced that over 7,000 verified pensioners have received their payments following a comprehensive biometric verification process.
The verification, conducted by the Local Government Pensioners Biometric Verification Committee, successfully identified and removed 2,640 individuals who were either deceased or not entitled to receive pensions.
EKO HOT BLOG reports that this initiative is part of the administration’s effort to address outstanding pensions and gratuities inherited from previous administrations.
The aim is to ensure that rightful retirees receive the benefits they are owed, fulfilling the administration’s commitment to improving the welfare of its citizens.
Enugu Uncovers Ghost Pensioners
Prof. Onyia recalled that Governor Peter Mbah had pledged to alleviate poverty in the state by settling the backlog of pensions and other financial obligations while maintaining fiscal responsibilities. This approach is intended to enhance the standard of living, increase purchasing power, and foster sustainable economic growth in the state.
He also noted that in July, nearly half a billion naira was disbursed to 7,109 local government pensioners, including 989 newly registered retirees who had retired between April 2022 and April 2024 but had not yet been included in the pension scheme.
The SSG expressed concern over the extent of fraud in the pension system, revealing that, as of April 2024, the state had been disbursing payments to over 8,760 local government retirees, compared to the 7,109 verified pensioners. This discrepancy highlighted the need for reforms in the pensions system.
Prof. Onyia emphasized the administration’s commitment to resolving all pension arrears, stating that the payment strategy implemented would systematically eliminate backlogs within the established timeframe.
“This administration will continue to support our citizens, particularly our senior citizens who dedicated their time and energy to serving the state. We will soon phase out all arrears inherited by the administration.
“We are reforming the pensions system through strong institutional policies that will make it difficult for corrupt elements to infiltrate the scheme. We have digitized the institution with measures that will ensure every transaction and payment is transparent, accountable, and traceable,” he added.
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