ASCSN boss seeks review of civil servants pension scheme
By Eberechi Obinagwam
National President, Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria, ASCSN, Comrade Shehu Muhammed, has called for a review of the pension scheme for civil servants in the country.
Muhammed made the call at a press conference with the Labour Writers Association in Lagos, where he also assured that Retirement Benefits (RACI) would be paid to retiring civil servants.
He said the laws establishing national pension treatment and contributory pension schemes didn’t abolish RACI.
He said as a result, employers are expected to pay RACI at the end of service, without tapping into civil servants’ funds. “The amendment of RACI remains in place, and efforts are being made to ensure that federal and state governments pay RACI in full to retiring civil servants.”
Additionally, he said they are pushing for necessary amendments to the national pension commission and scheme, aiming to grant access to more than 50% of benefits upon retirement.
“We are working on this. I am sure that very soon we will see the organised labour before the National Assembly meets to review this law.”
Muhammed also hinted on the issue of public servant allowance.
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According to him, the allowances for public servants in Nigeria have not been reviewed for 10 to 17 years, making it essential to update them.
The allowance in question include transport allowances per kilometer, Duty Tour Allowance (DTA), and other benefits, he mentioned.
He also emphasised that the current rates are unsustainable, citing an example where a civil servant would receive only 10,000 Naira for a trip from Lagos to Maiduguri which is insufficient for accommodation and other expenses.
“The review process has been ongoing for four years, with memos presented to the joint council, which has finally approved the updates. The National Council of Establishment (NCE) has also endorsed the changes, with a final implementation timeline set for May.
Muhammed stated the importance of collaboration between the government and the NCE to ensure a smooth implementation of the reviewed allowances, which will benefit civil servants across the country.
Muhammed used the medium to emphasised the union’s strong stance on creating a living wage, considering the current economic realities.
He said even the previously proposed N250,000 has become insignificant due to inflation. Adding that the union is working towards articulating their position to establish a living wage for the present government.
He stated that they have assigned states and federal units to discuss and assess the minimum wage for the next review cycle.
However, some states he said, are hesitant, citing concerns about population loss, while others are unwilling to implement a minimum wage, ” It is unacceptable by us. The governors that refused to implement it are not ready to serve as governors.”
