In a recent press briefing following the State Executive Meeting at the Government House in Umuahia, Mr. Okey Kanu, the Commissioner for Information and Culture, disclosed the Abia State Government’s plans to implement a Pension Contributory Scheme for its civil servants.
Kanu highlighted the significant progress made in preparing for the transition to the new scheme, stating, “The state government has concluded plans to introduce a contributory pension scheme for Abia civil servants.
The plans for establishing the scheme have gone very far and very soon we would start the cutover to a contributory pension scheme.”
Emphasizing the government’s commitment to streamlining the pension payment process, Kanu announced that pensions would now be disbursed on the 28th of each month, aligning with the payment schedule for the state’s civil servants. Additionally, pensioners would receive their full monthly pension amount, rectifying the previous practice of disbursing only half.
Addressing concerns about pension arrears, Kanu revealed that the Ministry of Finance had established a help desk to resolve issues related to the payment, including oversights in disbursement. He stressed that these measures aim to ensure a smooth and successful process for managing pension payments.
Notably, this development comes after the Abia State Government passed a law ceasing pension payments to former governors and deputy governors. Governor Otti, who championed this move, argued that reallocating these funds would help clear longstanding pension arrears, unresolved since 2014, and enhance governance and responsibility.
Governor Otti, acknowledging the irony of his future status as an ex-governor, underscored the importance of prioritizing public service and ending pensions for former officials to drive effective governance.
