By Christiana Gokyo, Jos
A Bill for a Law to provide for the establishment of the Plateau State House of Assembly Service Pension Board and for other related matters, 2025, has passed its second reading in the Plateau State House of Assembly.
The motion was moved by the Majority Leader, Hon. Joseph Gokum, and seconded by the Deputy Speaker, Rt. Hon. Madaki Isa Ajiji.
Presenting the synopsis of the Bill, the Majority Leader explained that the proposed legislation seeks to establish the Plateau State House of Assembly Service Pension Board to administer pension matters for staff of the Assembly Service in an efficient, transparent, and accountable manner.
According to him, the Bill will provide a legal framework for the effective management and payment of pensions and other retirement benefits, thereby strengthening the welfare of legislative staff.
Contributing to the debate, the member representing Langtang North Central Constituency, Hon. Daniel Nanbol Listick, and his Mangu South counterpart, Hon. Mathew Sylvanus Kwarpo, expressed support for the Bill.
They observed that the proposed Pension Board would require competent professionals and modern technology to ensure effective service delivery.
They further explained that, since the Plateau State House of Assembly now operates as an autonomous arm of government, it has become imperative to establish a House of Assembly Service Pension Board to effectively manage pension and retirement benefits for its workforce.
According to them, the proposed Board would strengthen the institutional independence of the legislature, enhance administrative efficiency, and guarantee the welfare and financial security of retired staff of the Assembly Service.
They also commended the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Na’anlong Daniel, for prioritising the welfare and well-being of staff since assuming office, noting that the proposed legislation would consolidate the gains of legislative autonomy and further improve the welfare of Assembly personnel.
After the deliberations, the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Na’anlong Daniel, directed the Clerk of the House to read the Bill for the second time, after which it was accordingly read and passed.
The Speaker subsequently referred the Bill to the House Committees on House Services, Welfare, and Finance for further legislative scrutiny and directed the Committees to report back to the House on 6 August 2026.
Also during plenary, the House passed for second reading a Bill seeking to prohibit the use, manufacture, distribution, transportation, importation, and sale of single-use plastics in Plateau State.
The Bill, sponsored by Hon. Prof. Theodore Maiyaki (SAN), seeks to provide a legal framework for tackling plastic pollution, promoting environmental sustainability, and encouraging the use of biodegradable alternatives across the state.
Following its second reading, the Speaker referred the Bill to the House Committee on Minerals and Environment for further legislative action and directed the Committee to report back to the House on 13 August 2026.
Similarly, the Assembly resolved to honour a former member of the House during the Second Republic, HRH Late Hon. Selven Musa, with a valedictory session in recognition of his distinguished service to the legislature and humanity.
The resolution followed a Motion on Notice sponsored by the member representing Langtang North North Constituency, Hon. Abel Nansak, and seconded by Hon. Daniel Nanbol Listick.
The Speaker, Rt. Hon. Na’anlong Daniel, directed that the date for the valedictory session be agreed upon by the family of the deceased and the sponsor of the motion.
Members thereafter observed a one-minute silence in honour of the late statesman and extended their condolences to his family, the Timwat Traditional Council, the people of Langtang North, and Plateau State at large.
The Speaker commended members for their sacrifice, commitment, and quality contributions to legislative business, describing their robust deliberations as a reflection of the Assembly’s resolve to enact laws and resolutions that will advance good governance and improve the lives of the people of Plateau State.
