The Niger State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress on Monday called on the state Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello, to as a matter of urgency sign into law the bill passed by the state Assembly on the 7.5 per cent Contributory Pension Scheme that is long overdue.
The Chairman of the NLC in Niger State, Comrade Yahaya Idris Ndako, made this known during the 2017 Workers’ Day celebration held at the 1,2,3 Parade Ground, Minna.
Ndako also advised the government to also ensure the refund and payment of differentials to civil servants in the state.
In his submission, he said: “The organised Labour has written a letter to Mr. Governor to accent to the bill on 7.5 per cent on contributory pension scheme, which he refused, rather called for a meeting for negotiation, which did not go down well with the labour.
“After 30 days of submission of the bill to the governor for accent, if he didn’t comply, the House of Assembly has the power to pass the bill into law.
“Enough should be seen as enough, government should stop playing with the lives of the retirees in Niger State and do what is expected of them in the interest of peace and industrial harmony.”
The Chairman also suggested to the state government to divide its N400 million monthly Internal Generated Revenue in to two and use it settle pension related matters.
As a result of fluctuating price of oil in the International market and the unpatriotic conduct of pipeline vandals, Ndako advised government to pay more attention to agriculture.
He said farmers must be encouraged to boost food production by providing them with fertilisers and other agricultural inputs such as tractors and improved seedlings.
He said: “It is also the belief of organised labour that if the people, especially those in the rural areas, are properly mobilized and fully engaged in all-year farming, there would be massive reduction in rural-urban migration.”
Bello told workers in the state that N2.6 billion has been set aside to tackle the problems associated with pension and gratuities.
Bello, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Isa Ladan, said government has started paying in batches.
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