The Jigawa State and Local Governments Contributory Pension Scheme has released the sum of N468.1 million for the payment of pensioners and gratuity for dead civil servants.

The Executive Secretary of the scheme, Alhaji Suleiman Kiyawa, who spoke with newsmen after the screening of beneficiaries in Dutse, said the payment was for the month of March.

Kiyawa explained that 349 pensioners and relatives of deceased workers would benefit, adding that cheques had been given to court registrars for onward delivery to the beneficiaries.

According to him, the last payment was made to pensioners in April this year and that arrangement had commenced to pay the next batch by the end of June. “The beneficiaries of gratuities were well screened to ensure that the right persons get the money,” he said.

He said that the state government was committed to welfare of its retired workers and benefits of those that died in service.

The executive secretary also disclosed that the scheme had commenced training of its staff to make the process computer-based. (NAN)

•Photo shows Jigawa State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Badaru.