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A lawmaker representing Makurdi South in the Benue State House of Assembly, Douglas Akya, has sponsored a bill aimed at establishing a minimum pension range of between ₦40,000 and ₦50,000 for retirees in the state.
Speaking with journalists in Makurdi, Hon. Akya described the current pension situation as unfair, particularly highlighting cases where some retirees still receive as little as ₦4,000 monthly after over three decades of dedicated service to the state. He called this reality “simply unacceptable.”
The proposed bill seeks to create a standard pension system that ensures no pensioner earns below an approved benchmark. It also aims to eliminate selective payment of pensions and gratuities, guaranteeing that every retiree is treated equally regardless of when they left service.
Akya further stated that future governments would be required to clear outstanding pension arrears and maintain consistency in pension payments.
Another key provision of the bill is to make life easier for pensioners during verification exercises. Instead of requiring elderly retirees to travel long distances to Makurdi, officials would visit them in their respective local government areas for verification.
If passed into law, the bill is expected to bring much-needed relief and restore dignity to many retirees who have struggled for years after serving the state.
The move has sparked discussions among Benue residents, with many asking whether ₦50,000 is sufficient as a minimum pension given the current economic realities.
