Plans have reached an advance stage by the Niger state government to resume the contributory pension scheme which has been suspended for about seven years.
Secretary to the Niger state Government Ahmed Ibrahim Matane said this while addressing Newsmen in Minna.
Ahmed Ibrahim Matane explained that a meeting to that effect has been on between representatives of Niger state government critical stakeholders and organised labour to to sought out some grey areas and ensure its smooth take off.
He said the contributory pension scheme was suspended following the withdrawal of organised labour after alleging that the fund was previously mismanaged but after some assurances from Niger state government to safeguard such funds and make it more responsive and result oriented it will resume soon.
According to him Niger state government had reviewed upward its pension contribution from seven point five percent to ten point five percent while Civil Servants are expected to contribute seven point five percent for keep with state Pension Board.
Ahmed Ibrahim Matane further explained that even though they have some pending issues ranging from unpaid gratuities and pension arreaes they still have some money contributed by Niger state government with Pension Board for necessary action.
On reforms brought to Pension Board by the state government Secretary to the Niger state Government said they have a law establishing local government and state pension board with required personnels and structure for optimal performance.
Ahmed Ibrahim Matane who assured of state government rediness to reduce the sufferings of its retirees through prompt payment of their entitlements despite the limited resources at its dismissal however added that Niger state is up to date in the payment of monthly pension.
Int Aliyu Lawal./Minna