The Plateau state House of Assembly has passed second reading a bill seeking for a law to provide pension and retirement benefits for former speakers, deputy speakers, principal officers and members of the state assembly.
The bill, sponsored by Mr. Eli Ankala (APC/Rukuba-Irigwe), scaled second reading during Thursday plenary presided over by the speaker, Mr Daniel Nanlong.
Leading the debate, Ankala said the proposed legislation would establish the Plateau state House of Assembly Pension Board to oversee pension administration, as well as collate and maintain pension records.
He added that the bill was designed to eliminate ghost pensioners, strengthen accountability and ensure efficient, transparent and prudent management of pension funds.
The lawmaker said the legislation seeks to create a structured and sustainable pension system for former legislators who served the state.
“The establishment of the pension board would strengthen the administration of pension matters through proper documentation of beneficiaries, effective data management and regular verification to prevent irregularities.
“The bill is designed to ensure that eligible former lawmakers receive their retirement benefits in an orderly, transparent and accountable manner, while promoting prudent management of public resources,” Ankala said.