Ogun Govt Appeals To LG Pensioners, Assures Them Of Payment of Gratuities

Ogun State Government has pleaded with protesting local government pensioners for more understanding over their unpaid gratuities, assuring them that the issue would be addressed to ensure a comfortable post retirement life for the retirees

The State Head of Service,Dr. Nafiu Aigoro gave the assurance on Thursday while addressing the protesting local government pensioners at the State Secretariat, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta 

Aigoro said that the present administration was not unmindful of the plight of the senior citizens whose gratuities had not been paid since 2011, expressing government committment to offset the backlog 

“This government will always prioritise welfare of the pensioners and ensure regular payment of their pensions despite the dwindling financial situation being witnessed in the state and the country at large,” he assured.

On the pensioners request to meet with Governor Dapo Abiodun for a formal meeting, he promised to arrange a meeting within the next couple of weeks with the Local Government Pensioners in the State with a view to resolving all outstanding issues concerning payment of their outstanding entitlements.

Aigoro said although he is just about three days in office, he could connect with the agitations of the pensioners being a civil servant himself. 

“Within the next couple of weeks, we would get an audience with the Governor to resolve all outstanding issues”, he assured, stressing that “as a promise keeping administration, no stone will be left unturned to ensure workers and pensioners wellbeing and welfare”

State Chairman of the Local Government Pensioners Association of Nigeria (LOGPAN) Alhaji Sikiru Ayilara, while responding, appealed to the state government to find a lasting solution to the problem, by ensuring prompt payment of monthly pensions and gratuities

They called for the review of monthly pensions and the resuscitation of Board of Bureau of Local Government Pensions, amongst others.

Ayilara said the Pensioners decided to embark on the protest to draw government attention to their plight. 

He noted that although the present administration has made some efforts to address their plight, including the quarterly release of N500m, but insisted that  the Pensioners are eager to meet with the Governor, as there are still issues to resolve, including increase in monthly pension.