Lagos gets task force on pensions scheme
By Bodunrin Babatunde
AS part of efforts to shore up the living standard of its pensioners, Lagos State government has set up a task force to examine the records of pensions and effect its harmonisation.
This, according to the state Head of Service, Mr. Akinsanya Sunny Ajose, is to ensure that none of them is short-changed.
Ajose disclosed this at the weekend during this year's Pensioners' Day celebration.
He said the state government was particularly concerned about the plight of the pensioners and had resolved to do all within its means to give them their dues.
He revealed that this was the reason behind the spirited efforts made in the past to find a lasting solution to the Pay-As-You-Go Pensions Scheme even before the emergence of the current pensions reforms.
Such efforts, he said, included the establishment of the pensions sinking fund aimed at ensuring security of gratuities and pensions' payment under the Pay-As-You-Go scheme.
Ajose also stated that on-help desk has been introduced to assist pensioners in filling correct information on their pensions forms to prevent hiccups.
He said the state government has directed appropriate agencies and committees to work on the necessary structures for the present pensions reforms in the state public service.
The state Head of Service said the government is working on computerising its pensions scheme for a speedy process of administration.
Chairman of Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Lagos State chapter, Tunde Olusanya, had earlier decried a situation where pensioners were treated as second-class citizens.
He thanked the state government for effecting five months' payment out of the pensions arrears.
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