PenCom urges organised labour, Anambra govt to expedite action towards implementing CPS

By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Awka

The National Pension Commission (PenCom), on Thursday, urged collaboration between the organised labour and Anambra State government towards ensuring fully implementation of Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

The Zonal Head, NPC Southeast zone, Chiadi Nnoka made the call at a workshop/sensitisation programme on the overview and operations of the CPS in Anambra State organised in Awka by the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress (TUC), in collaboration with the agency.

According to the regulatory agency, the organised labour should engage with the State government for amendment of Anambra State Pension law 2014 to address relevant issues, establishment of state and LG pension Bureau and appointment of substantive chief executive officer, among others.

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Nnoka, who argued that addressing the relevant issues found in the existing law would contribute towards effective implementation of CPS, enumerated some benefits of the scheme to include reduction in pension burden, workers quick accessibility to their entitlements, flexibility and sustainability of pension agreement.

Others are enhanced Integrity of State government payrolls, financial security, free States from unnecessary hassles of pension administration, increase investment opportunities, protection of funds of dismissed employees, protects investment issues and depletion.

Responding, the State Chairman, NLC, Comrade Humphrey Nwafor said they recognised the need for awareness of the CPS which was why they sought and received approval of the agency for the programme, and urged Anambra State government to consider organising similar sensitisation workshops for all workers before reintroducing it so that workers would fully understand the scheme.

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“We call on Anambra State government to consider organising similar sensitisation workshops for all workers before reintroducing the CPS, should that be necessary. Ensuring that workers fully understand the scheme will foster trust and facilitate smooth implementation in the future. It is crucial for every worker to be well informed about their entitlements, the responsibilities of the government, and the roles workers must play to ensure that their years of service culminate in a secured retirement,” he stated.

On his part, the State Chairman, Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Chris Ogbonna assured that the organised labour was working on a right part towards ensuring that the government hearken to their needs having submitted their positions through a relevant committee constituted to that effect.

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Earlier, the Anambra State Head of Service, Lady Theodora Igwegbe represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Achor Chinedum explained that governor Chukwuma Soludo had interest of workers at heart and was working towards ensuring that their demands were met.