The Katsina State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to settling the outstanding retirement benefits owed to retired workers of the state and its 34 local government areas.
Governor Dikko Radda made this announcement during a World Press Conference at the Government House in Katsina, marking his first year in office, on Wednesday.
He stated that the total outstanding amount is approximately thirty-three billion naira, with ten billion naira owed to retired state civil servants and twenty-three billion naira owed to retirees from the 34 local government areas.
Additionally, Governor Radda mentioned that a committee has been established to identify and verify the accumulated gratuities, which total about six billion naira, with plans to arrange for their payment.
The Governor noted that the government has already started clearing the accumulated retirement benefits, including gratuities for deceased individuals, amounting to six billion naira. So far, the state government has paid four billion naira.
He added that all outstanding retirement benefits for 2019 have been cleared for both state and local government employees.
Regarding the state’s security, Governor Dikko Umaru Radda revealed plans to expand the Community Watch Corps (CWC) programme.
During a security meeting with stakeholders, the administration outlined plans to recruit qualified and dedicated young men to serve in their respective communities. A committee has been set up to oversee the identification, screening, and recruitment of interested youths.
The expansion of the Watch Corps programme aims to empower communities to take a more proactive role in their own defense. The government is ready to support, train, and equip these recruits to achieve the programme’s goals.
Governor Radda also urged the federal government to consider redeploying lower-ranking security personnel back to their home states, believing that they would serve their communities with greater commitment.
Dr. Nasiru Muazu Danmusa, the state Internal Security Commissioner, praised Governor Radda’s leadership in fostering cooperation among security forces in combating banditry and other criminal activities in the state.
He emphasized the positive impact of the initiatives and the creation of the Ministry of Internal Security and the office of the Senior Special Assistant on Victims of Banditry and IDPs in addressing the concerns of the state’s residents.
