Ekiti House of Assembly, on Wednesday, held a public hearing on the State Pension Reform Bill, 2022.
In his address of welcome, the Chairman, House Committee on Public Service, Establishment and Labour Matters, Chief Gboyega Aribisogan, said that the bill was aimed at re-enacting a law to unify pension scheme in the state.
Aribisogan, who is also the Majority Leader, said that the essence of the public hearing was to enable stakeholders make contributions to the bill before its final passage.
He called on members of the public to make adequate presentations toward making the bill a perfect one that would checkmate the past defects in pension issues in the state.
In his contribution, the Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Ekiti chapter, Mr Olatunde Kolapo, said that the bill would go a long way in reducing employees’ stress in accessing their benefits after retirement.
Also speaking, Chairman of Trade Union Congress, (TUC), Ekiti chapter, Mr Sola Adigun, suggested that the 25 per cent contributory pension deduction of employees be increased to, at least, 30 per cent.
The two labour leaders attributed the challenges in pension payment to failure on the part of employers in the past to remit deduction as and when due.
They called for proper monitoring of deduction payment by employers.
The Stakeholders at the event canvassed for the speedy passage of the bill, stressing that the benefits of the scheme can not be over emphasised.
They appreciated government for initiating the bill, especially now that pension payment has become a front bunner issue in the country.
They also lauded the Ekiti House of Assembly for the quick attention given to the bill, stressing that it would lead to a good pension system in the state.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the public hearing was attended by representatives of the State Pension Commission (PENCOM), Ministries of Justice, Budget and Economic Planning, Finance, Office of Head of Service and the state Civil Service Commission.
Others were representatives of Judicial Service Commission, Local Government Service Commission, House of Assembly Service Commission, Office of Transformation and Strategy as well as Office of Establishments and Service Matters.
Representatives of Pension Transition Arrangement Department (PTAD), Ekiti State University (EKSU), the organised labour and members of the public were also present at the public hearing. (NAN)
