Lagos orders agencies to obey pension law

The Lagos State Government has ordered government agencies that have not fully complied with the provisions of the Lagos State Pension Reform Law to commence their contributions into the employees’ retirement saving account.

The state Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, said it was his passion to enhance workers’ welfare and their continued financial empowerment through the payments of outstanding commitments in the state public service.

The governor spoke on Thursday in Alausa, Ikeja, where N2.2bn retirement benefit bond certificates were presented to 658 retirees in the state.

At the event, which was the 18th edition, Ambode said, “All government parastatals that have not fully complied with the provisions of the Lagos State Pension Reform Law by regular remittance must immediately commence their contributions into the employees retirement saving account.

“The payment of the retirees’ pensions is an indication of our passion to enhance workers’ welfare.”

Ambode, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Idiat Adebule, said a total liability of N761.828m was being absorbed by the state government on behalf of the retirees.

The Director-General, Lagos State Pension Commission, Mrs. Folashade Onanuga, assured that retirees who had not been paid their entitlements would soon be attended to, saying the governor had promised not to rest until they all received their retirement benefits.

The LASPEC boss said the governor had earlier in the month approved N11bn to meet the outstanding pension liabilities of retirees, adding that the funds would be disbursed on a monthly basis.