From Muawuya Bala Idris, Katsina
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Katsina State have firmly rejected the proposed amendment of the state’s pension law, describing it as ill-timed, anti-worker, and detrimental to the welfare of retirees.
The proposed amendment, currently before the Katsina State House of Assembly, comes just six months after the law was initially signed by Governor Dikko Umar Radda, and has sparked growing tension between the state government and organized labour.
Speaking to journalists after an expanded congress meeting in Katsina, the TUC Chairman, Comrade Muhtari Abdu Rumah, said the move to alter the existing law threatens to reverse the progress made in ensuring prompt pension and gratuity payments.
“Katsina commenced the implementation of the new pension scheme in January this year, following the passage and signing of the law by Governor Dikko Radda. Why is the government suddenly insisting on amending a law that has not recorded any failure or complaints?” Rumah queried.
He explained that the current pension model adopted by the state is patterned after the Jigawa State Pension Scheme, which he described as the “best and most widely accepted by other states.”
“The Jigawa model guarantees transparency, regular payments, and is in the best interest of our retirees. Six months into its implementation here in Katsina, there hasn’t been a single complaint regarding the payment of pension and gratuity. So why fix what is not broken?” he added.
Rumah alleged that those pushing for the amendment were lobbying for Katsina to adopt the Federal Government’s pension scheme—an option he said has already been rejected by the state’s organized labour due to its numerous flaws and inconsistencies.
“We want to state categorically that the federal pension scheme is unacceptable to workers in Katsina. We, the organized labour, will stand firm to protect the interest of workers and retirees. We will resist, by all legal means, any attempt to tamper with the existing pension law,” he declared.
The labour leaders warned that any unilateral action by the government to alter the pension framework without wide consultation could plunge the state into an avoidable industrial crisis.
Meanwhile, during the congress meeting, prayers were offered for the late former President Muhammadu Buhari. According to Rumah, organized labour in Katsina appreciated Buhari’s firm stance against the removal of petroleum subsidy during his tenure.
“We commend the late President Muhammadu Buhari for his unwavering concern for the welfare of Nigerian workers and the general public. His refusal to remove the fuel subsidy was a sign of his commitment to easing the burden on the masses. We pray to Almighty Allah to forgive his shortcomings and grant him Aljannatul Firdaus,” he said.
As the debate over the proposed pension amendment continues, labour leaders have urged the state assembly to reject the bill and preserve a scheme that has, so far, proven to be in the best interest of workers and retirees in Katsina State.