A proposed Plateau pension bill seeking lifetime retirement benefits for former Speakers, Deputy Speakers, Principal Officers and members of the Plateau State House of Assembly has ignited widespread backlash, with organised labour, civil society organisations and concerned residents condemning the move as insensitive amid the state’s economic and security challenges.
The controversial legislation, sponsored by Eli Ankala, who represents Rukuba-Irigwe Constituency, scaled second reading during Tuesday’s plenary presided over by Speaker Daniel Nanlong.
If enacted, the bill would establish a Plateau State House of Assembly Pension Board responsible for administering retirement benefits, maintaining beneficiary records and overseeing pension management for former lawmakers. Supporters argue the framework would improve accountability, eliminate ghost beneficiaries and ensure a transparent pension administration process.
Presenting the proposal, Ankala said the board would strengthen documentation, enhance data management and introduce regular verification of beneficiaries to prevent irregularities while ensuring qualified former legislators receive their retirement benefits in an orderly manner. However, the Plateau pension bill immediately attracted sharp criticism after passing second reading.
The controversy deepened when Minority Leader Dewan Gabriel publicly denied any involvement in sponsoring the legislation, despite reports linking him to it. Gabriel stated that his name was included without his knowledge or consent and maintained that his legislative focus remains centred on transparency, accountability and policies that improve the welfare of Plateau residents.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Plateau State strongly rejected the proposal, describing it as ill-conceived and disconnected from the realities facing ordinary citizens. State NLC Chairman Eugene Manji argued that lawmakers should prioritise legislation addressing insecurity, unemployment, economic hardship and workers’ welfare instead of creating additional financial benefits for politicians.
According to the labour leader, workers who devote decades of service often retire with limited benefits, making lifetime pensions for lawmakers who spend relatively short periods in office unacceptable. He warned that organised labour was prepared to resist the bill if it progressed further.
Civil society organisations also voiced strong opposition. A coalition of 21 CSOs accused the Assembly of advancing legislation with major financial implications without adequate public consultation. The group demanded that lawmakers suspend further consideration of the bill, publish its full contents and organise an open public hearing involving labour unions, pensioners, economic experts and other stakeholders.
The coalition also urged Governor Caleb Mutfwang to withhold assent should the legislation reach his desk in its current form, insisting that Plateau State requires policies that promote economic growth, fiscal discipline and improved public services rather than measures perceived to favour political office holders.
Several public policy advocates echoed similar concerns. Executive Director of the Youth Initiative Against Violence and Human Rights Abuse, Jacob Pwakim, argued that introducing the proposal while the state battles security and economic challenges reflects misplaced priorities.
Similarly, Civil Liberties Organisation Executive Director Steve Aluko criticised the measure as self-serving, while Professor of International Relations and Strategic Studies, Chris Kwaja, warned that granting lifetime pensions to lawmakers after relatively brief tenures could encourage what he described as “kleptocratic rule.”
As public resistance intensifies, organised labour and allied civil society groups have hinted at staging a protest at the Plateau State House of Assembly on July 30 if the Plateau pension bill is not withdrawn. The growing backlash has placed lawmakers under increasing pressure to reconsider the proposal and subject it to broader public scrutiny before taking any further legislative action.
