Ogun suspends implementation of new Pension Reform law, holds parley with Labour Unions

Gov Dapo Abiodun

The Organised Labour in Ogun State, on Tuesday, met with both the Leadership of the House of Assembly and the State Government to discuss details of the new Pension Reform Bill recently passed by the Ogun State House of Assembly awaiting assent by Governor Dapo Abiodun

The Labour Movement was led to the meeting by the chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Ogun State Chapter, Comrade Emmanuel Bankole, while the government team comprised of Secretary to the State Government, Mr Tokunbo Talabi; the Head of Service, Alhaja Salimot Ottun; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Salisu Shuaib and the Hon. Commissioner for Finance, Mr Dapo Okubadejo.

The meeting discussed misgivings expressed by the Organised Labour and the issue of ultimatum issued by the Labour Leaders. 

The government explained the intention of the new law as a way of harmonizing and aligning some aspects of Ogun State Pension Law 2013 with the Pensions Act passed by the National Assembly in 2006; to address the challenges of accumulated unremitted pension contributions by the past administration and generally to enhance the welfare of public servants, in and out of service.

While Labour appreciates the good intentions of government, it expressed reservations about inadequate consultations with the supposed beneficiaries of the law, which they said led to the misgivings in the first instance.

The meeting concluded that since the Bill is yet to be assented to, the Government, Labour Unions and other stakeholders should study the proposed reform and forward areas of concerns to the government within one week to harmonize different positions and return same to the House of Assembly for consideration and amendment. 

Both government and labour expressed satisfaction with the understanding demonstrated at the meeting and urged both sides to consult more and keep the existing relationship between the Dapo Abiodun’s Administration more cordial.