,,,, Suggests Leveraging 2002 Workshop Recommendations by NIPSS,Kuru.
By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
A Lokoja-based Management Consultant, Alhaji Mohammed Onipe Aliyu, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the National Assembly for what he described as a significant milestone in addressing the longstanding challenges of Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
In a statement he signed and made available to The Reporters in Lokoja, Alhaji Aliyu lauded the recent approval by the Federal Executive Council (FEC) and the National Assembly approval for the payment of pension increase arrears that have remained unpaid for over 20 years.
He described the move as a long-awaited relief for thousands of retirees under the CPS, urging the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) and the Debt Management Office (DMO) to ensure speedy disbursement of the funds to deserving pensioners.
According to Alhaji Aliyu, there is an urgent need for a holistic review of the Contributory Pension Scheme to align it with recommendations made at a landmark training workshop held in 2002 at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.
The workshop, organized by the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation in collaboration with Crown Agents of London, had proposed a more balanced and sustainable approach to pension funding, according to him.
Alhaji Aliyu, also a federal government retiree, noted that the participants at the 2002 workshop, including him,had recommended a joint contribution model,where the Federal Government would contribute 15% and employees 10% of their monthly salaries.
This ,he added,made up the 25% of the Federation Account that was previously budgeted for the payment of retirement benefits.
“Additionally, the workshop proposed that pensions be paid based on the Defined Benefits Scheme, which ensures more predictable and secure retirement payments,” he further explained.
Alhaji Aliyu expressed concern that these original proposals were hijacked by the Bureau of Public Service Reform, derailing the implementation of a more retiree-friendly pension framework.
The management consultant described the current CPS as one that offers “slavery benefits” to retirees who dedicated their most productive years to public service of their father land.
While welcoming the proposed reintroduction of gratuity payments, the consultant urged PENCOM to revisit and implement the 2002 recommendations as part of a thorough reform process.
He also warned against involving Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) in the reform process, expressing concern that they only prioritize their interests at the expense of retired workers.
“If President Bola Ahmed Tinubu can champion this reform in favour of Nigerian workers and retirees, posterity will surely vindicate him,” Alhaji Aliyu said.
