By Yahaya Idris, Lokoja
The Kogi State Government is releasing N150 million monthly to the Pension Commission to support retirees, according to the Special Adviser to Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo on Labour Matters, Comrade Onuh Edoka.
Edoka disclosed this during the Workplace Security and Workers’ Welfare Campaign engagement in Ogori Magongo Local Government Area.
He said the monthly allocation amounted to approximately N1.8 billion annually and was part of the administration’s efforts to address the needs of pensioners.
The Special Adviser also disclosed that discussions were at an advanced stage for the state to access a loan or bond facility aimed at clearing outstanding gratuities.
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He said the proposed financing arrangement was expected to provide relief to pensioners who had served the state.
Salary and Minimum Wage
Edoka told labour leaders and civil servants at the meeting that the era of salary and pension delays had ended, with workers receiving their salaries promptly and pensioners receiving their monthly entitlements.
He also said Kogi was among the first states to implement the new national minimum wage.
According to him, the state subsequently granted a two-year tax waiver on the wage increment.
Other measures highlighted included payment of promotion arrears, leave bonuses, hazard allowances for health workers and health insurance coverage for workers and pensioners.
The Special Adviser also disclosed the provision of three new buses to the NLC, TUC and JNC to support union operations.
Recruitment Plans:
Edoka said the government was preparing for massive recruitment into the civil service as retirements increase.
He explained that replacing retiring personnel would be important to maintaining effective service delivery across the state.
The Workplace Security Campaign, he said, was therefore focused on both protecting workers and sustaining the progress recorded in the area of labour welfare.
He urged workers to remain security-conscious in their workplaces and encouraged them to consider continuity when making political choices ahead of the 2027 elections.