The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has appealed for the implementation of a N32,000 minimum pension scheme for the retired workers in Bauchi State to support their welfare after rendering meritorious service to the state.
LEADERSHIP Friday reports that about two years ago, the federal government approved N32,000 as the minimum pension for retired workers in the country. The approval requested states to implement the same for civil servants working at the state and local government levels.
Comrade Dauda Shu‘aibu, chairperson of NLC in Bauchi, said this yesterday during the May Day celebration at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Stadium, Bauchi.
He said implementing the minimum pension for workers in Bauchi would help ease hardship and improve the socio-economic wellbeing of retired workers in the state.
Comrade Shu‘aibu called for the prompt and timely release of adequate funds to both state and local government pension boards to enable them to pay retirees‘ gratuities.
The NLC chairperson also appealed to Governor Bala Mohammed to reintroduce motorcycle and car loan schemes for workers in the state, adding that it would aid the transportation of civil servants to and from their duty stations.
„In line with your administration‘s support for food production through farming, we wish to appeal on behalf of farmers across the state, including workers, for the early provision of fertiliser and other farm inputs at the early stage to ensure immediate preparation before the commencement of rainfall, which is predicted to be in early June.
„In the same vein, we also appeal for the implementation of the new N32,000 minimum pension in the state as done to federal retirees two years ago,“ Comrade Shu‘aibu said.
Responding, Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, represented by the state head of service, Barrister Muhammad Umar, assured workers that his administration is committed to their welfare.
The governor also solicited support from workers as more initiatives are in the pipeline.
