The Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has blamed the delay in pension payments to retirees from July 2025 to date on the recent political crisis in the state. The union urged the affected retirees to be patient, assuring that efforts are being made to address the issue. According to the NLC State chairman, Comrade Alex Agwuanwon, the delay was not intentional but caused by the political crisis that led to a State of Emergency declaration last year.
Comrade Agwuanwon disclosed this in an interview with The Tide in Port Harcourt, stating that with the resolution of the political crisis and the restoration of peace between the executive and legislative arms of government, the issue of pension payments to retirees will soon be addressed. He stressed the need for patience among those affected, assuring that steps are being taken to resolve the matter. The NLC boss also mentioned that the labour movement had earlier rejected the contributory pension scheme.
The NLC had insisted that civil servants currently employed by the government should remain in the old pension scheme. A committee was set up, which produced a report submitted to the state government on the issue. The report is expected to be sent to the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) and the State House of Assembly to fast-track its passage into law. Comrade Agwuanwon expressed hope that the report would lead to a resolution of the pension payment issues.
The NLC chairman described the sufferings of retirees, especially during the period of emergency, as "a sacrifice we paid for that period." He noted that efforts were made within the period to get the scheme amended so that retirees could access their pension. However, the story is that it is a law, and there is nothing anybody could have done at that point. The NLC made efforts to address the issue, but it was a challenging situation.
Comrade Agwuanwon provided more insight into the committee's report, stating that civil servants currently employed by the state government will continue to remain in the old scheme. They will continue to run in the current scheme, and after retirement, they will enjoy their monthly pensions, gratuities, and other benefits. However, those employed subsequently will be enrolled into the contributory pension scheme.
The NLC boss assured that once the committee report is implemented, those affected will be captured, and arrears of their pensions will be paid. He urged retirees to be patient, assuring that something is being done about the delay in pension payments. The union is working to ensure that retirees receive their pensions and benefits.
The delay in pension payments has caused significant hardship for retirees in Rivers State. The NLC's intervention is aimed at resolving the issue and ensuring that retirees receive their benefits. The situation highlights the need for effective communication and collaboration between the government, labour unions, and retirees to address pension-related issues.
Key points
- The Rivers State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has blamed the delay in pension payments to retirees on the recent political crisis in the state.
- The NLC has urged retirees to be patient, assuring that efforts are being made to address the issue.
- The labour union has proposed that civil servants currently employed by the government should remain in the old pension scheme.
