Sani Bello signs Pension Act 2017 into law

Niger state governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello has signed into law a bill establishing the Contributory Pension Scheme for employees in public sector of Niger State Act of 2017.

The bill, which was sent for consideration of the legislative arm by the executive last year, was passed by the State Assembly last month.

Titled the, ‘Bill for a law to amend the law establishing the Contributory Pension Scheme for employees in the public service of Niger State and for other matters connected therewith 2017,’ it seeks to exempt only category of workers who have been in service for 20 years at the commencement of the scheme in March 2007 and an upward of the contribution to 18 percent with employees contributing 7.5 and government 10.5.

It also seeks to amend the amended law 2015, which exempted the Head of Service and permanent secretaries and its equivalent from the scheme, among others.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant, Media & Publicity, Jide Orintunsin said the Act was signed by the Governor in the presence of Speaker Ahmed Marafa, members of the legislature and the executive as well as the organised labour, led by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) state chairman, Comrade Idris Ndako and some retired permanent secretaries.

Governor Bello, according to the statement, reiterated the commitment of his administration in ensuring that the welfare of its workforce was given priority attention.