The Lagos state government has disbursed another N1.25 billion in pension arrears to 605 retirees, bringing the total paid since 2019 to N57.7 billion, benefiting 16,340 retirees. The 102nd Retirement Bond Presentation marked this significant step in the administration of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) in Lagos.
Afolabi Ayantayo, the Commissioner for Establishment and Training, expressed gratitude to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, highlighting the government’s commitment to honoring pension obligations. He commended the retirees for their years of hard work and dedication to the state, emphasizing the enduring impact of their service.
Ayantayo stated, “The government is grateful for your service and we are committed to implementing policies to support the well-being of our senior citizens.” He acknowledged the continuous efforts to clear pension arrears, and this month’s disbursement of N1.258 billion reflects the government’s dedication to its retirees.
Babalola Obilana, the Director-General of the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), provided insight into the disbursement, noting that the funds were for service rendered before the inception of the CPS in 2007. He outlined the government’s plan to clear all backlogs before the year ends and emphasized ongoing efforts to streamline payments.
Obilana also shared plans to onboard retirees into the Lagos State Health Insurance Scheme (LASHMA), known as Ilera Eko. Pending approval from the State Executive Council (SEC), the commission is working on logistics to integrate retirees into the health insurance program.
He urged retirees to manage their benefits wisely and cautioned against potential fraud, encouraging them to seek information and clarifications directly from LASPEC.
This move by the Lagos state government demonstrates its commitment to prioritizing the welfare of retirees and ensuring the smooth operation of the Contributory Pension Scheme.
Source: The Nation
