In Anambra State, it was jubilation as Governor Prof Chukwuma Soludo announced the clearance of seven years arrears of pensions and gratuities owed retired civil servants in the state.
He noted that against the harsh economic situation in the country, his administration would continue to work very hard to improve the welfare of the workforce in the area.
“In the area of gratuity of retired work force, we have paid arrears of gratuity, which we inherited when I came into office and I am happy to report that except there is anyone who has not completed his or her documentation, we cleared the backlog of pensions arrears of four years.
“Similarly for those who retired from the civil service that were also being owed four years of pensions amounting to N14 Billion, I am happy to announce that we paid for 2018, 2019, 2020 and now it is remaining one year which is 2021 and it would be paid shortly “
Within the available resources as a government, my commitment to the labour force is that we will continue to work very hard to improve the working conditions and welfare of our work force.
Speaking earlier, state NLC chairman, Humphrey Nwafor urged the state government to commence swift implementation of the of the contributory pension scheme which was part of the recommendations of the joint committee to safeguard the future of retirees.
He also appealed for the payment of outstanding allowances of non-teaching staff of the Anambra State Universal Basic Education Board AUBEB and post primary schools, who are yet to receive the approved 17.5 percent peculiarity allowance and the equitable treatment similar to the 27.5 granted to teachers.
The Chairman also called for the full implementation of the approved Consolidated Judiciary Salary Structure, CONJUSS and that of the health workers which is CONHSS as well as increased training opportunities and enhanced security.