The Abia State Government says it will officially launch the Contributory Pension Scheme for workers in November as part of ongoing Civil Service Reforms.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, made this known during this week’s post-Executive Council media briefing in Umuahia, earlier chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu explained that the move is designed to ensure sustainability in pension payments and end the era of outstanding arrears.
“Let me also inform you that, barring unforeseen circumstances, the Governor, Dr. Alex Otti, will officially launch the Contributory Pension Scheme for Abia workers in the month of November.
“Once the exact date is confirmed, we will come back to inform you and ensure that you attend the launch,” Kanu said.
He added that, “With the launch of this pension contributory scheme, the ugly issue of old pension payments and arrears will become a thing of the past.”
Prince Kanu recalled that the current administration, upon assuming office, cleared outstanding pension arrears owed by the previous government, adding that a special committee is now handling the payment of gratuities.
“The State Government, upon inception, of course, paid off outstanding pension arrears owed to Abia workers by the previous administration.
“Currently, the issue of gratuity is being addressed by a special committee set up by the Governor and will be paid once the committee fulfils its assignment.
“Under this administration, workers’ salaries and monthly pension payments are taken for granted, given the fact that workers now receive their salaries and pension payments every 28th day of the month,” he noted.
The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Ikechukwu Uwana, SAN, and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, were part of the Exco briefing.
