Niger NLC Urges Governor Bago to Address Pension Arrears

On Workers’ Day, the Niger State chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) called on Governor Mohammed Bago to pay pension arrears and implement a new minimum pension settlement for state workers. NLC chairman Idre Lafen praised the government's extension of service years for teachers and the introduction of wage awards for local government area (LGA) teachers, which he believes helps bridge salary gaps.

However, he urged the resumption of gratuity payments within the local government system and the implementation of a new minimum pension settlement to address prolonged stagnation in promotions since 2015. The governor, represented by Deputy Yakubu Garba, highlighted the administration's efforts to promote worker welfare, including a memorandum of understanding with the Federal Ministry of Finance to sustain integrated product communities.

This initiative aims to enable workers and farmers to own homes through a mortgage facility, enhancing agricultural settlement and worker efficiency. The article notes that from 1999 to 2023, the state government incurred pension liabilities exceeding N4 billion, with N6 billion paid in the last three years, demonstrating a commitment to worker welfare.