BENIN CITY – The Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has commended Governor Monday Okpebholo for directing the immediate exclusion of workers in the state Civil and Public Service employed before January 2017 from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
The NLC described the directive as a historic development that would bring relief to thousands of affected workers and pensioners who had long agitated for a return to the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).
In a statement signed by its Acting Secretary, Comrade Ireotoi Kingsley, the labour union said the development was the outcome of sustained struggle, advocacy and persistent engagement by organised labour.
According to the NLC, workers employed before January 2017 who were subsequently enrolled in the CPS would now return to the DBS, while affected retirees would enjoy the appropriate pension status applicable to their colleagues under the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).
“This development is the product of the sustained struggle, advocacy and persistent engagement which has finally yielded a historic achievement for affected Edo workers and pensioners employed before January 2017 who were subsequently placed under the CPS and are now to return to the DBS, while affected retirees are to enjoy the appropriate pension status applicable to their colleagues under the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP),” Kingsley said.
The labour council expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government for responding positively to the longstanding demand of workers and pensioners.
It reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights, welfare and legitimate interests of workers and pensioners in the state, while maintaining constructive engagement with the government on issues affecting their wellbeing.
The NLC also commended Governor Okpebholo for his interventions in addressing pension-related challenges confronting workers who retired before 2017.
The state government has, in recent months, released billions of naira towards the payment of long-outstanding gratuities and pension arrears owed to retirees.
In addition, the governor constituted a high-powered committee to review complaints and concerns surrounding the broader implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme in the state.
The labour leadership said it would continue to collaborate with the government to resolve other lingering workers’ welfare issues, including concerns arising from the rising cost of living.