NLC Lauds Okpebholo Over Exclusion of Edo Workers Employed Before 2017 From Contributory Pension Scheme

 

Hendrix Oliomogbe 

The Comrade Bernard Joman Egwakhide led Edo State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has lauded the landmark decision of Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo to exclude workers in the Edo State Civil and Public Service employed before January 2017 from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS.

The affected workers are to be immediately restored to the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS) once the necessary implementation directives are sorted out.

In a statement in Benin City recently and made available to journalists, Comrade Egwakhide explained that the development is the outcome of the sustained struggle, advocacy and persistent engagement by organized labour which finally yielded a historic achievement for the affected Edo workers and pensioners.

The Edo NLC chairman noted that workers in the Edo State Public Service, who were employed before January 2017 and subsequently enrolled in the CPS are to be restored to the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS), effective immediately, subject to the necessary implementation directives of the Edo State Government..

The statement noted that the affected retirees will enjoy the appropriate pension status and treatment applicable to their colleagues under the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), in accordance with the implementation of the governor's directive. 

The Edo NLC chairman said that further CPS-related deductions from the salaries of affected pre-2017 Edo State workers are expected to cease forthwith.

Comrade Egwakhide commended the state government for responding positively to this longstanding demand by Edo public service workers, adding that the treatment and reconciliation of contributions previously deducted under the CPS are expected to be addressed by the relevant authorities as part of the implementation process.

He added: "The NLC Edo State sincerely appreciates Governor Monday Okpebholo for his pragmatic and practical approach to governance and  listening to the longstanding concerns of Edo workers and pensioners and for taking this significant decision. This is a victory for Edo State workers and pensioners."

"NLC remains committed to defending the rights, welfare and legitimate interests of Edo State workers and pensioners."