The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has rejected the proposed Plateau lawmakers’ life pension bill, describing it as anti-people and insensitive. The union warned that it would shut down the Plateau State House of Assembly if lawmakers fail to withdraw the bill.
The NLC announced the decision alongside the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Plateau State during a joint press briefing in Jos. The groups said they would begin a protest and picket the Assembly complex on July 30 if the proposal remains before the lawmakers.
According to the labour unions, the proposed legislation seeks to grant lifetime pension and retirement benefits to members of the Plateau State House of Assembly after serving in office.
The NLC argued that the proposal comes at a time when many pensioners in the state are still waiting to receive their benefits. Labour leaders said public resources should focus on clearing pension arrears and improving workers’ welfare instead of creating new benefits for elected officials.
Plateau TUC Chairman Eugene Manji said organised labour would resist every attempt to pass the bill. He warned that protesters would remain at the Assembly complex until lawmakers withdraw the proposal.
The TUC also criticised the bill, saying lawmakers who served only one term should not receive lifetime pensions while many retirees continue to struggle. Civil society groups described the proposal as self-serving and called on Governor Caleb Mutfwang to intervene.
The coalition warned that it could publish the names of lawmakers supporting the bill and mobilise residents against them if the proposal moves forward. As of the time of the report, the Plateau State House of Assembly had not issued an official response.
