By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The verification of local government retirees in Edo State is expected to be wrapped up today, Wednesday, May 9, 2018.
The exercise commenced on Monday, May 7, 2018 and feelers reaching us indicate that it has been very successful.
Business Post reports that after the verification exercise, the retirees would be paid their outstanding pension arrears.
Already, Governor Godwin Obaseki of Edo State has approved the use of the N1.5 billion Paris Club refund to settle the payment.
At the 2018 Workers’ Day celebration in Benin City, last Tuesday, Mr Obaseki informed the workers in the state that he has instructed that all outstanding salaries and pension arrears due to local government staff and pensioners be paid before the end of the year.
According to him, “To ensure that this happens, I have approved that the sum of N1.5 billion from the Paris Club refund should be used to liquidate part of the outstanding N2.5 billion pension arrears due to local government employees.”
While assuring the workers that the balance will be paid before the end of 2018, the Governor said the goal of his administration “is to ensure that local governments move into the Contributory Pensions Scheme next year, thus putting an end to the pension crises.”
“We are great full to the Almighty for the very peaceful and successful local government elections. With the new chairpersons and elected officials, we are now poised to change the future and fortune of local government in Nigeria,” the Governor said.
Mr Obaseki explained that, “We have commenced payment of pension and gratuity arrears as far back as the year 2000.
“So far, we have paid batches 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41. As we resolve a few lingering problems, other Batches will be paid though I must note that resources are limited.
“We have meetings with retirees every two weeks and we have an open line of communication to avoid misunderstandings.
“Our commitment is to make our retirees that have laboured so much for our present and future, feel comfortable.
“In line with my promise last year to resolve all outstanding pension issues, I have directed that the amount used for paying outstanding pension arrears be doubled by 100 per cent from N100 million monthly to N200 million.”
Adedapo Adesanya