Ogun State Pension Fund Committees Praise Governor for Worker Welfare
The Ogun State Pension Fund Management Committees, representing both the State and Local Government sectors, have expressed their appreciation for Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun’s steadfast commitment to the well-being of workers, both during and after their service. This commendation was made during a visit to the Head of Service, where the committees presented a joint statement outlining the progress achieved in implementing the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) reforms across the state.
Mrs. Arinola Adetayo, Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of State Pensions, leads the State Pensions Management Committee, while Olufisan Osiyale, Permanent Secretary of the Bureau of Local Government Pensions, heads the Local Government Pension Management Committee. In a Saturday statement from the office of the Head of Service, Mr. Kehinde Onasanya highlighted that the achievements recorded so far are “direct outcomes of the visionary leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun and his team towards the smooth and effective implementation of the CPS.”
Key Achievements in Pension Reforms
The joint committee disclosed several milestones in the pension reform process. They completed the enrolment and verification of employees under the CPS, establishing a clean and accurate database. Approval has been granted for the remittance of accrued pension rights to the Retirement Savings Accounts (RSA) of retirees and serving officers employed as of December 31, 2007, covering a total of 24,267 state and local government workers.
Additionally, the committee received approval for the remittance of arrears of CPS deductions for the first phase (2nd July, 2025 to 1st July, 2030), covering 3,910 state workers and 3,666 LG and SUBEB staff. The Return on Investment (ROI) on the outstanding deductions has also been approved for payment/remittance. Furthermore, the committee secured payment of palliative to retired and impending retirees covering the period from July 2nd to December 31st, 2025.
The State government has also approved the remittance of the State portion of retirement benefits of APR to retirees who have served in Ogun State. Monthly deductions to Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) for July, August, and September 2025 have been successfully remitted, with work ongoing for October 2025 deductions.
Strengthening Administrative Frameworks
The committees noted that the review of a strong administrative and regulatory framework, including amendments to the 2006–2013 Pension Reform Laws, is in an advanced stage. This will guide the codification of the pension process. While acknowledging these achievements, the committees recognized that the journey towards full implementation of the CPS in the state is ongoing. The joint meeting provided an opportunity to identify challenges and chart a clear course for the next phase of the scheme’s implementation.
The committees reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring a secure and dignified retirement for all beneficiaries. Speaking at the presentation, Isa Olude, Chairman of the Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council, and Pastor Benedict Adeboye, Chairman of the Local Government Pension Association of Nigeria, Ogun State Chapter, expressed gratitude to the governor for addressing workers’ fears over the implementation of the CPS.
Labour Leaders Commend Governor’s Actions
Labour leaders commended Gov Abiodun for approving various recommendations aimed at improving the welfare of both serving and retired workers. They reassured the government of their continued support for the state’s progress. Responding to the commendations, the Head of Service emphasized that the Abiodun-led administration is committed to the welfare of workers and pensioners, consistently demonstrating this through actions.
Mr. Onasanya described the governor as a “promise keeper,” adding: “To our Labour Leaders, we will continue to relate as partners in progress towards the advancement of the cause of our teeming workforce.”
Establishing a Stronger Pension Framework
In July, Gov Abiodun constituted a 25-man Pension Funds Management Committee for the State and Local Government pensions following a workers’ strike over unremitted pension funds of about N80 billion. The committees were tasked with providing professional and administrative advice on CPS operations, monitoring implementation, and providing updates.
The governor noted that the old pension scheme was plagued by bad debts, extensive delays, massive liabilities, and dependence on government budget releases, underscoring the need for CPS implementation. He reiterated his administration’s commitment to consistently prioritizing the welfare of the workforce and pensioners because “a motivated workforce is an engine for good government.”