The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Plateau State have strongly opposed a proposed bill seeking to grant lifetime pension and retirement benefits to members of the Plateau State House of Assembly, warning of a total shutdown of the legislature if the bill is not withdrawn.
The groups announced plans to stage a protest at the Assembly complex on July 30, describing the proposed legislation as self-serving, insensitive, and contrary to the interests of the people.
Addressing journalists in Jos on Wednesday, Plateau State NLC Chairman, Eugene Manji, said organised labour would resist every attempt to pass the bill, insisting that public office should not be used as a platform for personal gain.
“We are picketing the Plateau State House of Assembly on July 30, and we will remain there until this bill is withdrawn. We have the capacity to sustain the protest if necessary,” Manji declared.
He argued that the autonomy granted to state legislatures was intended to strengthen democracy and improve governance, not to promote policies that benefit elected officials at the expense of the public.
Manji also appealed to Governor Caleb Mutfwang to intervene and halt the proposed legislation, warning that allowing it to proceed could trigger avoidable tension across the state.
Also speaking, Plateau State TUC Chairman, Kenneth Shammah, described the proposed pension package as unacceptable, particularly when the state was still struggling to clear decades of outstanding pension obligations.
“It is unfortunate that while the government is battling to clear pension arrears dating back to 1986, lawmakers who served only four years want to award themselves lifetime pensions,” he said.
Shammah noted that many pensioners, including relatives of some lawmakers, were yet to receive their entitlements, stressing that former legislators remain capable of pursuing other careers after leaving office rather than relying on lifetime benefits funded by taxpayers.
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The Convener of the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Plateau State, Steve Aluko, also condemned the bill, describing it as undemocratic and inconsistent with the principles of transparency and accountability.
According to him, elected positions are meant for public service, not personal enrichment.
Aluko warned that civil society groups would join organised labour in shutting down the Assembly if lawmakers refused to withdraw the proposal.
He further disclosed that the coalition was considering publishing the names of legislators backing the bill and mobilising their constituents to oppose them, while calling on residents, religious bodies, and other stakeholders to support the planned protest.
As of the time of filing this report, the Plateau State House of Assembly had not issued any official response to the concerns raised by the labour unions and civil society organisations.