Kaduna Government Allocates Land to Pensioners for Permanent Secretariat, Farm Project

Kaduna Government Allocates Land to Pensioners for Permanent Secretariat, Farm Project 







By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna

Pensioners in Kaduna State will now have a permanent base after years of operating from a temporary facility, following the allocation of land by Governor Uba Sani for the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUP, Kaduna State Branch.

The Governor also approved an additional parcel of land for an urban farming scheme to help members engage in productive activities. The offer letters were handed over to the Union on Monday at the Kaduna Geographic Information Service, KADGIS, by the Director General, Dr. Bashir Garba Ibrahim.
The allocation came in response to a request made by the NUP during a courtesy visit to KADGIS on August 5. The pensioners had asked the state government for land to build a befitting secretariat.

Presenting the documents, Dr. Ibrahim said the timing of the request was appropriate.  "The request came at the right time. Governor Uba Sani is deeply committed to the welfare of pensioners and is always ready to respond to their needs," he said.

He explained that beyond the secretariat land, the government also approved farmland under its urban agriculture programme.  "The farm land is expected to engage members in productive agricultural activities and provide them with alternative means of livelihood," he stated.

Receiving the offer letters, the Chairman of NUP Kaduna State Branch, Mr. Aboman Ladan, described the gesture as a major relief for retirees in the state. "I lack words to adequately describe the joy of the pensioners over this gesture," Mr. Ladan said.  
He prayed for "continued success and wisdom for the KADGIS Director General in the discharge of his responsibilities."

The Chairman said the Union had for years operated under difficult conditions. "The Union had struggled for many years to secure a permanent office space and had been operating from a temporary structure," he noted.

He commended Governor Sani for prioritizing retirees.  "Governor Uba Sani is a compassionate leader. The welfare of pensioners has, for the first time in history, been given significant attention by a serving Governor," he said.
Mr. Ladan also highlighted progress in clearing pension arrears. "Out of about ₦30 billion in outstanding pension-related payments, approximately ₦17 billion has so far been paid in pensions, gratuities and death benefits. This development is unprecedented," he said.

The NUP Chairman assured the state government of the retirees’ loyalty.  "We assure the Governor of our continued support. All pensioners are for the Governor ahead of the forthcoming election," he declared.
He further announced plans to immortalize the Governor’s contribution.  "Upon completion, the new permanent office of the Union will be named after Governor Uba Sani in appreciation of his commitment to the welfare of pensioners," he said.

KADGIS officials said the dual allocation aligns with the state’s broader agenda for senior citizens.  
"The presentation marks another step in the Kaduna State Government’s efforts to support the welfare and productivity of senior citizens through access to permanent facilities and opportunities for economic engagement," Dr. Ibrahim said.

The new secretariat and farm project are expected to provide the Union with both administrative stability and income generating avenues for its members.