By: Lauretta Fagbohun, Abeokuta.

As part of efforts to improve the welfare of public and civil servants after retirement, No fewer than 111 retirees in Ogun State have received bank cheques under the newly introduced Additional Pension Benefit (APB) initiative, as part of efforts by Governor Dapo Abiodun to enhance the welfare of public and civil servants after retirement.

The cheques were presented at a ceremony held at the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, where the governor described the initiative as a one-off intervention targeted at retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). The scheme is designed to bridge the disparity between their benefits and those of retirees under the Defined Benefits Scheme.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Tokunbo Talabi, Abiodun explained that beneficiaries received between ₦5 million and ₦17 million each, noting that the move was aimed at alleviating hardship and addressing the growing pension burden inherited by his administration.

He disclosed that the state’s pension liability rose significantly from about ₦2 billion in 2007 to ₦26 billion in 2021, with projections indicating it could hit ₦40 billion by 2029 if not properly managed.

According to the governor, the situation stemmed from inconsistent funding of the CPS by previous administrations, prompting an amendment to the Pension Reform Law in 2013.

The amendment shifted the effective take-off date of the CPS to July 2025, thereby placing workers retiring before then under a Transitional Pension Scheme that retained elements of the Defined Benefits structure.

Abiodun further revealed that since 2021, his administration has cleared over ₦26 billion in outstanding gratuities and maintained regular remittance of accrued pension rights into retirees’ Retirement Savings Accounts.

He added that more than ₦237 million was paid as palliatives to retirees between July and December 2025, alongside the settlement of contributory pension deduction arrears and investment returns totaling over ₦5 billion.

The governor said the APB initiative reflects his administration’s commitment to ensuring dignity, financial stability, and improved living conditions for retirees.

In his remarks, the Head of Service, Kehinde Onasanya, commended the governor for approving enhanced pension benefits, which he said now range from 116 to over 200 percent of retirees’ annual salaries, surpassing statutory requirements. He urged beneficiaries to utilise the funds judiciously.

Also speaking, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Ogun State Council, Waheed Oloyede, described the initiative as unprecedented, thanking the governor for its prompt implementation.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Suraju Awóyẹmí expressed appreciation to the state government, noting that the reforms have addressed long-standing concerns and restored retirees’ confidence in the pension system.