Workers’ Day: Niger NLC wants Bago to pay pension arrears

From the perspective of The Punch (Nigeria):

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We commend the state government for the extension of service years for teachers, the implementation of Grade level 17 in the LG service, introduction of wage awards for LGA teachers to bridge the gap between the state and council workers’ salaries, among others.

In Niger State, the organized labor unions, represented by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have formally called upon Governor Mohammed Bago to prioritize the implementation of the new minimum pension and the settlement of long-standing pension arrears. This demand was a key point raised during the 2026 International Workers' Day commemorations, signaling a continued push for improved retiree benefits.

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We use this occasion to call on the governor to resume the payment of gratuity in both the state and local government systems, the implementation of a new minimum pension, settlement of pension arrears in the state, and urge the state to address the prolonged stagnation in promotion within the local government system since 2015.

While acknowledging the state government's positive steps, such as extending service years for teachers, implementing Grade Level 17 in local government service, and introducing wage awards for LGA teachers, the labor leaders did not shy away from highlighting areas needing urgent attention. Their demands include the resumption of gratuity payments for both state and local government employees, the full implementation of the new minimum pension, and a resolution to the prolonged stagnation in promotions within the local government system, which has reportedly been an issue since 2015.

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The100,000 Hectares Model is an initiative that will enable workers and farmers to own homes through productivity-backed mortgage facilities, thereby integrating mass housing with agricultural settlements to boost workers’ efficiency.

Responding to these concerns, Governor Bago, represented by his deputy, Yakubu Garba, outlined his administration's commitment to workers' welfare. He pointed to significant achievements, such as defraying N6 billion in pension liabilities within the past three years, a figure notably higher than the total disbursed between 1999 and 2023. Furthermore, the government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Ministry of Finance for a Sustainable Integrated Productive Communities (SIPC) Pilot Scheme, an initiative aimed at enabling workers and farmers to own homes through productivity-backed mortgage facilities. This dual approach—addressing immediate financial demands while introducing long-term welfare programs—characterizes the state government's strategy.

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It is worthy of note that from 1999 to 2023, the pension liability defrayed by the government was well above N4 billion, while our administration, within the space of three years, had paid pension liabilities of N6 billion. This, therefore, demonstrates our commitment to the welfare of our workers and retirees in the state.