While inaugurating the Board, the SGF underscored the clarity and importance of their mandate, which includes providing strategic direction, policy guidance, and effective oversight in line with the Pension Reform Act 2014 and other relevant frameworks.
“Today’s inauguration underscores the Federal Government’s unwavering commitment to a pension system that is transparent, resilient and trusted by all. Distinguished Members of the Board, your mandate is very clear. You are to provide strategic direction, policy guidance and effective oversight in accordance with the Pension Reform Act 2014 and other applicable frameworks”, he said.

He urged the Board members to uphold the highest standards of integrity, sound judgment, transparency and accountability, warning against any encroachment into operational responsibilities that could undermine governance structures established by law. He further reaffirms the Federal Government’s commitment under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, to address outstanding pension liabilities and restore trust in the system while prioritising the welfare of retirees and ensuring pensions are paid with dignity, certainty, and timeliness.

The Board, which is chaired by Dr Opeyemi Agbaje, has the following membership: Hon. Hafiz Muhammad Kawu Ibrahim, OON, Commissioner (Technical); Samuel Chigozie Uwanda, CPA Commissioner (Inspectorate); Charles Efe Sylvester Emukowhate, Commissioner (Finance); Bello Abubakar Malabu, Commissioner (Administration).

Others include: Dr. Abdul Sule Usman Garba, (Permanent Secretary, Service Welfare Office), representing Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation; Mrs. Aderonke J. Jaiyesimi, representing Federal Ministry of Finance; Comrade Joseph Ajaero , representing Nigeria Labour Congress; Tajuddeen Ubayi, representing Trade Union Congress of Nigeria; Comrade Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi, representing Nigeria Union of Pensioners; Adewale Smatt-Oyerinde, representing Nigeria Employers Consultative Association; Dr. Muhammad Sani Abdullahi, representing Central Bank of Nigeria; Dr. Emomotitmi Agama, representing Securities and Exchange Commission; Dr. Umaru Kwairanga, representing Nigerian Stock Exchange and Mr. Olusegun Ayo Omosehin, representing National Insurance Commission.

Speaking on behalf of the Board, the Chairman of PenCom Board, Dr. Opeyemi Agbaje assured the Federal Government of its full alignment with the governance principles articulated by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, particularly in upholding corporate governance, integrity, accountability, and the clear distinction between governance, oversight, and management operations within the Commission. While thanking President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for finding them worthy of the high national responsibility, he highlighted the Board’s commitment to advancing the administration’s strategic agenda of leveraging pension funds as a catalyst for national development.

Speaking earlier in his welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary, General Services Office (GSO), Dr. Ibrahim Abubakar Kana, mni, stated that the reforms by successive administrations have continued to improve pension administration, leading to the establishment and strengthening of PenCom as a key institution responsible for safeguarding retirement savings. He further stressed that the Board’s work will impact not only current retirees, but also serving public servants who will eventually benefit from the system.

In her remarks, the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), Ms Omolola Bridget Oloworaran, reaffirmed the Commission’s unwavering commitment to fostering a productive and collaborative relationship with the Board, in line with established governance principles. While extending her gratitude to the Secretary to the Government of the Federation for his exemplary leadership, clarity of direction, and steadfast commitment to strengthening governance within the Commission, she congratulated the newly inaugurated board on their appointments and expressed optimism for a tenure marked by impact, innovation, and strengthened institutional performance.

The inauguration ceremony was witnessed by some Management staff of the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation and the National Pension Commission (PenCom).

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The Salary Structure is the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Para-military Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS) and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS).

It will be recalled that those in the Tertiary Education and Health Sectors had already received their increases which involved Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS)
for Universities.

For Polytechnics and Colleges of Education, it involved the Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS) and Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS).

The Health Sector also benefitted through the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) and Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure (CONHESS).

A statement signed by the Head of Press, National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Emmanuel Njoku said the increases take effect from 1st January 2024.

The Federal Government has also approved increases in pension of between 20% and 28% for pensioners on the Defined Benefits Scheme in respect to the above-mentioned six consolidated salary structures with effect from 1st January 2024.

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Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) led by President, Joe Ajaero had previously announced a two-day warning strike.

Following this development, members of the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN), a trade union under the TUC representing senior staff in the Nigerian Civil Service are expected at work.

President of the TUC, Festus Osifo has also urged the NLC to intensify dialogue with the government, an approach it has adopted.

Osifo after meeting Labour Minister Simon Lalong said, “As of today, the need to embark on a nationwide strike hasn’t arisen hence the leadership of congress should intensify the conversation with government so that all grey areas identified could be ironed out within the time frame given.”

The labour union is protesting the rising cost of living, which followed the removal government scrapped petrol subsidy that cost the government about $10 billion yearly.

The NLC rebuffed talks with the new labour minister, Simon Lalong on Monday, as it said it will embark on the warning strike, preparatory for “total and indefinite shutdown of the nation” later in the month.

Ajaero insisted the strike can only be averted when steps are taken by the government to address the “excruciating mass suffering and impoverishment being experienced around the country.”

Lalong appealed to the NLC to shelve the strike, saying that such action would be detrimental to plans of the government.

The Minister said, “It has become pertinent to appeal to the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to suspend its intended two-day warning strike, as such action would be detrimental to the gains already being recorded on our course to securing a greater future of Nigerian workers and citizens at large.

At the meeting between the minister and TUC, Osifo said some of the issues requiring urgent attention included implementation of palliatives and wage award.

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Daily Dates Nigeria gathered that this development was concluded after a meeting with Minister Of Labour today.

Chris Ngige, minister of labour and employment, had hinted that federal government will make some pronouncements on salary increase for workers.

Ngige said this while speaking to state house correspondents after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the presidential villa in Abuja on December 23.

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While presenting the prizes to the awardees in Abuja, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Boss Mustapha expressed appreciation to Huawei Technologies for impacting technological skills on the Civil Servants thereby improving their proficiency in Information and Communication Technology and by extension improves their performance in the discharge of their work schedules.

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2. The briefing today will therefore be focusing on updates from the NCDC, Countries on the restriction list, our relationship with the UAE on Emirates and the vaccines mandate.

3. Statistics generated over the last four weeks on testing have shown that the trend of infection is going down in some states while in others, the trajectory is upward. The combined total for testing by PCR and RDT now stands at about 3.141, 795 million persons.

4. The Aviation authorities in collaboration with the diplomatic sector have made reasonable progress in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Discussions are still on-going with the UAE Authorities to resolve the impasse. The Hon Minister of Aviation today, presented the position of African countries on Vaccine Passport which some economic blocks and countries wish to impose, for travel purposes. This is because African countries have found it difficult to access the vaccines for their citizens in sufficient number.

5. Over several months, four countries were placed on high level restriction for travelers from such countries. The PSC has after a review of the developments in these countries, decided to remove South Africa, Turkey, and Brazil from the restricted list.

6. As you are aware, the UK has eased restrictions on fully vaccinated travelers from Nigeria to the UK with effect from 11th October. Nigeria welcomes this development and assures that the PSC shall continue to review Nigeria’s protocols based on global developments, science and national experience. A revised protocol will be issued in the next 24 hours.

7. With effect from 1st December, 2021, Federal Government employees shall be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or present a negative COVID-19 PCR test result done within 72 hours, to gain access to their offices, in all locations within Nigeria and our Missions. An appropriate service wide advisory/circular will be issued to guide the process.

8. The PSC wishes to put Nigerians on notice that two major religious festivities (Salah and Christmas) are approaching and we shall be experiencing increased passenger traffic in and out of the country. Similarly, events of large gatherings are likely to hold. While the PSC prepares to escalate surveillance and other control activities, we urge the States and all Nigerians to also increase their vigilance and take measure to moderate activities.

9. I thank you for your patience. The PSC shall be elaborating on all these at our next regular briefing.

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The warning follows the deadlock in the meeting between the Federal Government and organised labour, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) over the increase in petrol price and electricity tariffs in the country.

The NLC, TUC and its affiliate unions have asked workers to embark on an indefinite strike from Monday until the Federal Government is ready to reverse its decision on the petrol and electricity prices.

The Nigerian Government, in a circular issued by Head the Civil Service of the Federation, Dr Folasade Yemi-Esan on Friday, maintained that the National Industrial Court has restrained the unions from embarking on pending the hearing and determination of a Motion on Notice.

“Sequel to the call by the Labour Unions for workers to embark on industrial action from Monday, 28th September 2020, the Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation (OHCSF) wishes to inform all public servants that the Federal Government team is currently engaging with the Labour Unions with a view to resolving all contentious issues and avert the planned industrial action.

“Furthermore, it is important to note that there is a court injunction granted by the National Industrial Court (Suit No. NICN/ABJ/253/2020) on 24th September 2020, restraining the Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress of Nigeria from embarking on any form of industrial action pending the hearing and determination of a Motion on Notice.

“Accordingly, all officers on Grade Level 12 and above and those on essential services are hereby strongly advised to be at work to perform their official duties.”

The National Industrial Court had in separate rulings on Thursday and Friday barred the unions from going on with the strike.

Meanwhile, the National Union of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions Employees (NUBIFIE), the Joint Action Front (JAF), Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), aviation unions, among other groups have made known their interest to join in the planned strike.

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