Some labour unions rejected the Bill for a law to establish Plateau State Contributory Pension Scheme, while some others demanded for a hybrid of scheme.

The public hearing was hosted by the Assembly’s Joint committee on Finance, Labour and Security.

The Plateau Contributory Pension Scheme Bill is an executive Bill and an offshoot of the National Pension Scheme which the state government seeks to domesticate.

Mr Makwin Arandong, President, Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees and other unions rejected the Bill and sought exemption from the scheme.

NLC Chairman in Plateau, Mr Eugene Manji, and Secretary, Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, Mr Mafeng Bot, among others, however, commended the Bill but raised concerns on its implementation and sustainability.

They prayed for voluntary inclusion in the scheme by the unions as well as legislation and adoption of existing successful pension schemes like the one adopted by tertiary institutions in the state.

On his part, Mr Edward Ekpenyong, representative of the National Pension Commission, said that the Bill, if passed would protect employees’ retirement funds and ensure smooth transition of such funds.

Mr Sunday Hyatt, Plateau Head of Service, spoke in support of the Bill, and said it would reduce the financial burdens of the government and tackle issues of non-payment or delays in pension payments.

Deputy Speaker of the Plateau House of Assembly, Mr Saleh Yipmong, assured stakeholders of fair representation as further legislative actions would be carried out on the Bill.

Yipmong represented the Speaker, Mr Yakubu Sanda, at the public hearing.