Edo Governor Okpebholo Sets up Committee to Review Pension Payments after Labour Engagement

Edo State Governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of pensioners and workers in the state, engaging labour leaders in a high-level discussion that has resulted in the constitution of a review committee to address outstanding pension issues.

The governor made the commitment on Friday when he received members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners and the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Edo State chapter, during a courtesy visit at the Government House in Benin City . Addressing the delegation, Okpebholo assured the pensioners that his administration remains focused on ensuring prompt payment of pensions and improving their overall welfare, stressing that retirees who dedicated their productive years to the service of the state deserve dignity, respect, and timely entitlements.

In a move to address the concerns raised by the union, the governor announced the constitution of a committee to look into their requests . The committee is to be headed by the Head of Service of Edo State, Anthony Okungbowa, with membership comprising the Honourable Commissioner for Finance, Emmanuel Okoebor, the Accountant General, and the Permanent Secretary of the Pension Bureau.

Governor Okpebholo also pledged a bus for the union to ease their movement, describing the gesture as part of the government’s broader commitment to supporting senior citizens in the state . During the meeting, the governor engaged the pensioners on their welfare and specifically inquired whether the state was owing them pensions, reiterating his resolve to ensure Edo State remains up to date in the payment of pensions.

He said, “Tell me sincerely, is Edo State still owing you pensions? As far as this administration is concerned, we are committed to paying up to date. Our goal is to ensure that no retiree is left behind or subjected to hardship after years of service”.

Earlier in his remarks, the State Chairman of the NUP, Sir Samuel Okhuelegbe, commended the governor for steps taken so far to improve the condition of pensioners, including the prompt payment of their pensions . He, however, outlined key challenges facing members of the union, including the non-payment of gratuities to both state and local government pensioners, as well as outstanding monthly arrears owed to some retirees.

The union also expressed appreciation to the Edo State Government for notable interventions, including the regular payment of monthly pensions, the introduction of a 13th month bonus, and the enrollment of pensioners into the state’s free health insurance scheme . Governor Okpebholo reaffirmed that his administration will continue to pursue policies that promote the welfare of workers and pensioners, noting that a motivated workforce and a well-cared-for retired population are essential to sustainable development in Edo State.

This engagement follows the recent release of N1 billion by the governor for the payment of gratuities to retired local government staff and primary school teachers from 2012, clearing a 14-year backlog of unpaid entitlements . Chairman of the Local Government Staff Pension Bureau, Kabiru Adjoto, had earlier commended Governor Okpebholo for his strong political will in addressing long-standing challenges affecting pensioners in the state.