Appeal Court Rules in Favor of Workers Against PenCom

The Court of Appeal in Nigeria has ruled in favor of 20 workers against the Pension Commission (PenCom), awarding them ₦10 million in costs due to unlawful treatment. The three-member panel, led by Justice Bilkisu Bello, unanimously delivered the judgment on March 6, 2026, nullifying a lower court's decision from June 13, 2023, which had dismissed the workers' claims.

The workers had resumed duties on May 2, 2017, but were neither deployed nor assigned roles, leaving them without remuneration. The court emphasized that the recruitment process must include advertising, interviews, and issuance of employment letters, which constitute a valid and binding contract.

The appeal was successful, setting aside the lower court's decision and highlighting PenCom's failure to fulfill its obligations under the Pension Reform Act of 2014. The workers initially filed their suit in 2022, accusing PenCom of unfair labor practices, including non-payment of salaries and denial of promotions.