While many civil servants in Niger State have welcomed recent progress on the long-standing issue of the 7.5% Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) refund, hundreds—particularly at the local government level—are still waiting. For them, hope is fading, replaced by anxiety and quiet frustration.
Abubakar Abdullahi el-Kurebe, a concerned beneficiary from Shiroro Local Government, has become a voice for the unheard, penning an open message that captures the emotional weight of an unresolved promise.
“We sincerely recognize and appreciate the efforts so far,” he writes, acknowledging the strides made by the Niger State Government in collaboration with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), NULGE, and other affiliated unions.
“But silence from beneficiaries should not be mistaken for satisfaction.”
For many like el-Kurebe, the delay is not just about money. It’s about justice, dignity, and a system that still hasn’t fully delivered. Some affected civil servants have died without receiving their due. Others live with growing financial burdens, made heavier by the silence surrounding their entitlements.
Despite previous circulars, timelines, and public assurances, a significant number of beneficiaries remain unpaid, with no clear communication or explanation from the authorities. The lack of updates has eroded trust among workers who once believed relief was near.
“We are not ungrateful—we are only asking that the remaining steps be taken quickly and transparently,” el-Kurebe pleads.
He called for the provision of a clear and official update on the outstanding refunds, ensure all pending payments are processed without further delay, and communicate consistently through trusted channels to prevent misinformation.
The Niger State Government has indeed shown commendable political will in beginning the refund process. But for those left behind, these words ring with deep personal truth:
“We are not confrontational—we are simply calling for closure.”
As Nigeria celebrates its democratic journey and public service reforms, el-Kurebe’s message stands as a poignant reminder that even the smallest delays can carry heavy emotional costs for those affected.
“May Allah, in His infinite mercy, continue to guide those in authority and strengthen the efforts of all union leaders and civil servants working behind the scenes,” he concludes.
