General
Pencom Begs Ogun, Rivers, 24 Others to Adopt Contributory Pension Scheme

By Adedapo Adesanya
The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has urged 26 states of the federation to implement the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) for a pension-secure Nigeria.
This is coming as the commission commended Lagos, FCT, Osun, Kaduna, Ekiti, Edo, Ondo, Delta, Benue, Anambra, and Jigawa for their exemplary implementation of the CPS as of December 2024.
According to the statement by the commission, these states have set the benchmark for sustainable pension administration by ensuring that retirees receive their entitlements promptly. They are consistently remitting both employer and employee pension contributions under the CPS, Jigawa State remits contributions under the Contributory Defined Benefits Scheme (CDBS).
The Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014, in Section 2(1), stipulates that the CPS applies to all public sector employees across the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), states, local governments, and the private sector.
The statement said that state governments have the constitutional right to legislate pension matters within their jurisdictions in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended).
The agency said state governments were required to domesticate the CPS by enacting appropriate pension laws within their states.
In August 2006, the National Council of States adopted the CPS for all states and local governments to support this adoption, PenCom developed a Model State Pension Law, enabling state governments to modify it according to their unique needs.
According to the statement, PenCom reviews draft state pension laws and guides states throughout the implementation process.
The commission said that many states were yet to implement the CPS.
“For a state to implement the CPS in full, the state is required to enact a law on CPS, establish a Pension Bureau, register its employees with Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and commence remittance of pension contributions.
“The state is also required to carry out actuarial valuation, commence funding of accrued pension rights, procure group life insurance for its employees, and open and fund a retirement benefits bond redemption fund account with the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) or PFA,” the statement said.
The commission said that some states had enacted laws to adopt the CPS but have not yet made significant strides towards implementation.
The states include Abia, Adamawa, Bauchi, Bayelsa, Ebonyi, Enugu, Gombe, Imo, Kano, Katsina, Kebbi, Kogi, Nasarawa, Niger, Ogun, Oyo, Rivers, Sokoto, Taraba, and Zamfara.
PenCom urges these states to accelerate their efforts toward full implementation of the CPS by timely remittance of both employer and employee pension contributions.
The statement said that by taking decisive action, these states can align with the pacesetters in ensuring a secure and sustainable retirement scheme for their workforce.
According to the statement, PenCom observes that Akwa Ibom, Borno, Kwara, Plateau, Cross River, and Yobe are yet to commence the implementation of the CPS.
“PenCom strongly encourages these states to expedite the enactment of their CPS laws and take immediate steps toward full implementation to ensure a secure and sustainable pension system for their workforce.”
It added that the transition from the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS) to the CPS at the state and local government levels is both a significant and inevitable step.
The scheme was designed to ensure that all retirees receive their benefits in a timely manner, providing a sustainable and secure retirement for all public sector employees.
The commission said that the CPS offers a long-term solution to the pension liabilities that many states currently face.
PenCom warned that failure to adopt the CPS would worsen pension debts, creating financial burdens for future administrations.
“By failing to address pension arrears, states are inadvertently creating a financial burden for future generations, as these liabilities will continue to grow.
“Adopting the CPS now will help states avoid these escalating costs and provide a more secure financial future for both retirees and taxpayers,” it added.
General
Edo Killings: Okpebholo Suspends Illegal Vigilantes, Head of Security Corps

By Adedapo Adesanya
Following the lynching of some travelers, the Governor of Edo State, Monday Okpebholo, has ordered the immediate suspension of all illegal vigilante groups operating under whatever guise in the state.
The governor also suspended the Edo State Security Corps Commander, Mr Friday Ibadin.
The victims of the lynching were said to be travelling from Port Harcourt to the northern part of Nigeria and were allegedly killed by a mob in Uromi, Edo State, on Thursday.
According to a statement signed by the Secretary to the Edo State government, Mr Umar Musa Ikhilor, the action of the governor follows information of the General Public that after a review of the preliminary report of the unfortunate incident at Uromi in Esan North East Local Government Area of Edo State on Thursday involving the gruesome killing of some travelers.
“It is to be reiterated that the local vigilante group involved in the gruesome killing of 27th March was operating illegally as it was never profiled or registered with Edo State Security Corps.
“Its actions do not reflect the core values, character and principles of the Okpebholo administration, or the objectives of the corps as enshrined in the Edo State Security Corps Governance Law.
“Investigations into the killings are on-going and fourteen (14) persons have been arrested so far, while there is an intense manhunt for others involved in the gruesome killing by a special team set up by the Inspector General of Police,” the statement said.
The governor reiterated its belief in the constitutionally guaranteed rights of citizens to move freely or engage in lawful business in any part of the country.
The statement added that the government is in touch with families of the victims, community leaders and the Government of Kano State where most of the deceased are reported to hail from.
“We urge all parties involved to remain calm as the State Government remains committed to ensuring that justice is done in a most efficient, transparent and proactive manner,” the statement concluded.
Recall that the President noted that jungle justice has no place in Nigeria, and all Nigerians have the freedom to move freely in any part of the country.
President Tinubu condoled with the families of the affected people and assured them “that criminals would not be allowed to shed the blood of innocent Nigerians in vain”.
General
SERAP Urges Withdrawal of Bill Seeking to Jail Nigerians Who Don’t Vote

By Adedapo Adesanya
The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has called for the withdrawal of a bill which contains repressive provisions to jail any Nigerian of voting age for six months and/or impose a fine of N100,000 on them if they fail to vote in national and state elections.
The organisation urged the Senate President, Mr Godswill Akpabio, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr Tajudeen Abbas, to immediately withdraw the bill, which it tagged oppressive.
SERAP urged Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas to instead “amend the Nigerian Constitution 1999 [as amended] and the Electoral Act 2022 to remove constitutional immunity for state governors and their deputies who commit electoral offences, including vote-buying, to facilitate the investigation and prosecution of perpetrators.”
The group also urged Mr Akpabio and Mr Abbas “to amend the Nigerian Constitution and the Electoral Act to explicitly prohibit the appointment of members of any political party as resident electoral commissioners (RECs) of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).”
There is currently in the National Assembly a ‘Bill for an Act to Amend the Electoral Act 2022 to Make It Mandatory for All Nigerians of Majority Age to Vote in All National and State Elections and for Related Matters.’ The bill seeks to make voting compulsory and prescribes a six-month jail term or a fine of N100,000 or both for non-compliance.
In the letter dated 29 March 2025 and signed by SERAP deputy director, Mr Kolawole Oluwadare, the organisation said: “Jailing eligible Nigerians for deciding not to vote would be entirely inconsistent and incompatible with the letter and spirit of the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s international human rights obligations.”
SERAP said, “Rather than proposing bills that would severely punish Nigerians who may decide not to exercise their right to vote, the National Assembly ought to propose bills to remove constitutional immunity for governors and their deputies who commit electoral offences and undermine the integrity of the electoral process.”
According to the organisation, “The most effective way to solve the perennial voter apathy is to create a safe and conducive environment, combat the impunity of high-ranking politicians who commit electoral offences, and generally improve the electoral process to encourage the citizens to come out to vote, and not to send them to jail.”
The letter, read in part: “Should the National Assembly fails to drop the bill prescribing a six-month jail term for eligible Nigerians who decide not to vote in national and state elections, and should any such bill be assented to by President Bola Tinubu, SERAP would consider appropriate legal action to challenge the legality of any such law and ensure they are never implemented.”
“The idea of compulsory voting and jailing citizens for not voting is impracticable, unnecessary and unlawful. The right to vote is part of citizens’ right to participate in their own government and the choice of whether to exercise it is personal.”
“The right to vote includes the right not to vote. If the right to participation is a right of the citizen, she/he must be free to decide whether or not to exercise it.”
“Because the notion of a democracy exists by virtue of the consent of the citizens, voters must get to choose how they exercise consent, not be forced to the polls like ‘cattle to the slaughter.’”
“The National Assembly ought to propose bills to reduce the influence of money in politics, and encourage and not compel the exercise of the right to participation.”
General
Nigeria Could Save $267m from Local Polypropylene Production

By Adedapo Adesanya
The domestic production of polypropylene will help Nigeria to save around $267 million in import costs, according to estimates by the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN).
The group said investments from Dangote Group in the sector could significantly reduce the country’s reliance on imported raw materials for the textile industry.
The local production of polypropylene will not only boost industrial growth but also create jobs and enhance the competitiveness of Nigeria’s textile sector.
According to the Director-General of MAN, Mr Segun Kadir-Ajayi, this could help revive and ease the challenges facing a lot of industry in Nigeria, particularly the textile industry, which once employed over 25,000 workers in the northern region.
He attributed the industry’s decline to the lack of local polypropylene production and foreign exchange scarcity, forcing many companies to shut down.
Recently, Business Post reported that Dangote Industries has fully commenced polypropylene production, a move expected to transform Nigeria’s manufacturing sector.
It will help reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imports for this essential material used in packaging, textiles, and automotive components.
The Chairman of the group, Mr Aliko Dangote, projected that once fully operational, the refinery will meet local demand, eliminating the need for $267.7 million in annual imports.
By producing polypropylene locally, Dangote Industries is set to enhance industrial growth, create jobs, and strengthen Nigeria’s economy.
Polypropylene is a versatile thermoplastic used across multiple industries due to its durability, chemical resistance, and lightweight nature.
It plays a vital role in packaging, textiles, automotive, healthcare, construction, agriculture, consumer goods, and electronics. Its applications range from food containers and medical devices to car parts and irrigation pipes.
Local production of polypropylene is expected to boost industrial growth, create jobs, and enhance competitiveness.
Polypropylene’s versatile applications crucial for various industries including packaging, textiles, automotive, healthcare, construction and agriculture.
In packaging, polypropylene is essential for plastic containers and food packaging films. The textile industry relies on it for non-woven fabrics and carpets, while the automotive sector benefits from its lightweight properties in car bumpers and dashboards.
In healthcare, it is used for syringes and medical vials due to its sterility and durability. The construction and electronics industries utilize polypropylene for insulation materials, cables, and battery cases.
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