In what appears to be a major setback to an already established policy, the Rivers State Civil service Union has called for urgent reform and scrapping of the contributory pension scheme.
Speaking with our correspondent in Port Harcourt, the Chairman of the Nigeria Civil Service Union, Rivers State Council, Comrade Chukwuka Osuma, told the Rivers State government to immediately scrap the contributory pension scheme as current policies are worsening post-retirement hardship for workers.
Osuma described the existing pension structure as unfavourable to long-serving civil servants. Noting that the scheme has failed to deliver adequate retirement security, particularly for older workers nearing exit from service.
“We use the opportunity to plead with the Rivers State Governor to please scrap this contributory pension law because it is not beneficial to civil servants who have served for more than 20 years,” Osuma said.
“For those who have served more than 20 years, it is not in any way beneficial to us, that is why we are pleading with him to scrap that contributory pension scheme,” he added.
Osuma suggested a different approach, where the contributory pension scheme would apply only to newer entrants into the civil service.
“It can be for those who are newly employed or less than five years, but for those who have served more than 20 year, it is not beneficial,” he said.
The demand reflects growing nationwide concerns over pension adequacy, especially amid inflationary pressures eroding retirement savings.
He advocated for civil service years extension to align with evolving economic realities.
“We are also pleading with the governor to consider the extension of civil service years from 35 years to 40 years, and increase working age from 60 to 65 years,” Osuma stated.
He noted that similar policies have already been adopted in other jurisdictions, strengthening the case for Rivers State to follow suit.
While commending Governor Siminalayi Fubara for approving an N85,000 minimum wage, above the national benchmark of N70,000, Osuma stressed that structural reforms remain critical.
“Rivers State is one of the states that pays the highest minimum wage in Nigeria, the governor approved N85,000,” he said, adding that workers have also benefited from promotions and bonuses.
He insists that pension reforms and career longevity are essential to ensuring long-term welfare and stability for civil servants.
