The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Plateau State has strongly opposed a proposed bill seeking to grant lifetime pensions and retirement benefits to members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, describing the move as unjustifiable amid the country’s current economic challenges.
The union, alongside the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) in Plateau State, warned that it would mobilise workers and citizens to shut down the State House of Assembly if the bill is not immediately withdrawn.
The groups announced plans to stage a peaceful protest and picket the Assembly complex on July 30, accusing lawmakers of prioritising personal benefits over the welfare of the people they represent.
Addressing journalists during a joint press conference in Jos on Wednesday, Plateau State NLC Chairman, Eugene Manji, described the proposed legislation as “anti-people, self-serving and insensitive.” He said the bill was unacceptable at a time when many workers and pensioners were struggling with economic hardship.
Manji stressed that organised labour would resist every attempt to pass the legislation, insisting that public resources should be directed toward improving workers’ welfare, infrastructure, healthcare and education rather than funding lifetime benefits for legislators.
He urged members of the Plateau State House of Assembly to withdraw the bill in the interest of transparency, accountability and good governance, warning that failure to do so would trigger mass action by labour unions and civil society groups.
The development has sparked fresh debate over public office holders’ remuneration, with critics arguing that lawmakers should focus on policies that improve citizens’ living conditions instead of seeking additional personal benefits.
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