Lagos promises to clear pension arrears by 2022

TRACKING____Lagos State government on Thursday promised to clear arrears of all pension payments by the end of year 2022.

Lagos State Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pension,M Mrs Ajibola Ponnle, made the pledge while delivering a keynote address at the virtual Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC) pre-retirement seminar in Lagos.

The seminar was organised for civil servants retiring between January and June 2021 in the state. She said that “unfortunately, we have a backlog of accrued pension rights and we acknowledge that.

But, by the end of 2022 which is about two years from now, we are hoping that the backlog would be cleared.

“We are working tirelessly to ensure that we fund all the accounts that need to be funded, so that as soon as retirees reach the retirement age and retire, they get their pension.”

According to her, the state government is working assiduously to ensure that retirees can enjoy additional welfare benefits.

She said these would include free transportation for pensioners on the state transportation network, implementation of which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The commissioner noted that the Gov. Babajide Sanwoolu-led administration appreciated the role that public servants play in governance.

“The governor has demonstrated this by the various initiatives and policies approved in the last one year towards enhancing the welfare of pensioners.

“Even though the present economic condition is not friendly, the governor ensures payment and even increment of pension.

We appreciate the valuable experience and insights of our retirees and pray that they retire healthy and happily,” she said.

READ ALSO: Lagos orders release of 253 #EndSARS protesters

She advised the prospective retirees to be wary of joining side associations who are deceiving pensioners of assisting them to collect their pension.

Ajibola admonished members of the society to always show compassion to retirees, saying they are the older citizens and have a lot more to offer and congratulated the prospective retirees and acknowledged the effort of the management and staff of LASPEC for putting up the webinar.