The Lagos State Government has disbursed N8 billion to retirees under both the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and the Defined Benefit Scheme, as part of sustained efforts to boost workers’ welfare, strengthen pension management, and improve public service delivery.
The Head of Service, Mr Bode Agoro, revealed this at the 2026 Ministerial Press Briefing marking Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s seventh year in office, held at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Ikeja.
Agoro said the payment reflects the administration’s dedication to the wellbeing of both active and retired civil servants, noting that the public service remains central to governance and development in Lagos State.
He praised public servants for their commitment, resilience, and professionalism in driving effective governance across the state.
According to him, the Office of the Head of Service recorded significant achievements in areas such as staff welfare, pension administration, housing support, innovation, procurement reforms, and workforce development within the review period.
He disclosed that 4,837 newly recruited officers were integrated into the Soft Suite database and deployed across Ministries, Departments, and Agencies, alongside 38 political appointees.
Additionally, 185 newly recruited and converted Administrative and Human Resource officers participated in familiarisation tours of key ministries to deepen their understanding of public service operations.
Agoro also noted that Governor Sanwo-Olu approved the elevation of 25 directors on Grade Level 17 to positions of Permanent Secretaries and Tutors-General.
He added that 84 service-wide circulars were issued during the period to guide policy and state activities.
On welfare, the Head of Service highlighted the implementation of a N50,000 palliative for public servants in May 2026, as well as a N32,000 monthly pension increase for retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme.
He further disclosed the launch of the annual health screening initiative, “Public Servants, Know Your Numbers,” aimed at encouraging regular health checks among workers to enhance productivity and longevity.
Agoro said the 16th Lagos State Long Service Merit Award recognised 750 public servants who had served for at least 30 years, including six Permanent Secretaries and 744 officers across various cadres.
He added that during the Public Service Week celebration, 177 outstanding officers received plaques and cash rewards, while five senior officers were rewarded with brand-new cars.
Similarly, five junior officers each received N5 million through a transparent ballot process, with additional cash rewards totalling N130.5 million approved for other high-performing officers.
The Head of Service also revealed that 17 retired Permanent Secretaries were honoured at the 2025 Pens Down Ceremony in recognition of their dedicated service.
He noted that the state has expanded support for retirees through quarterly training, skills acquisition programmes, health screenings, and engagement sessions to prepare them for life after service.
On housing, Agoro said the Staff Housing and Loans Board disbursed over N1.59 billion in housing loans to 2,033 beneficiaries, while the governor also approved an annual N1 billion car refurbishment loan scheme for public servants.