Plateau lawmakers withdraw bill seeking to grant life pension and retirement benefits to members following public outcry

Thursday, July 30, 2026 - The Plateau State House of Assembly has formally withdrawn the bill seeking to grant life pension and retirement benefits to members, following public outcry and concerns raised by stakeholders, including labour unions.

The decision was announced in Jos on Wednesday, at a press conference held at the Media Centre of the state House of Assembly by the Majority Leader and Chairman of the Joint Committee on Rules and Business, Finance and House Services, Joseph G. Gokum.

Our correspondent reports that the Bill seeking to provide allowances as pension for former members, principal officers and presiding officers of the Plateau State House of Assembly was introduced for consideration earlier in July 2026.

However, the proposal immediately drew criticism because it came at a time when Plateau, like most states, is grappling with delayed payment of gratuities and pensions to retired civil servants, and ongoing negotiations on the new minimum wage.

The Nigeria Labour Congress, civil society organisations and concerned citizens described the Bill as “insensitive” and “a waste of public resources.”

Labour leaders argued that it was wrong for lawmakers to prioritise “life pension” for themselves while workers and pensioners were owed arrears.

They threatened to mobilise workers for a mass protest and industrial action if the Assembly went ahead to pass the Bill.

The NLC specifically warned that the move would deepen inequality and undermine public trust in government at a time of economic hardship.

Across Jos and other parts of the state, radio programmes, social media, and town hall discussions were dominated by condemnation of the Bill.

Stakeholders described it as not reflecting the aspirations and realities of the people, a phrase the Assembly itself later echoed in withdrawing the Bill.

Addressing journalists on Wednesday, Gokum confirmed that the House had taken note of the concerns.

“The decision followed careful consideration of the concerns raised by civil society organisations, labour unions and concerned citizens of Plateau State,” he said.

He added that the Assembly “acknowledged and respected the position of stakeholders, particularly given the prevailing economic realities and expectations of Plateau citizens.”

He then announced: “In view of the foregoing, and after due deliberation by the joint committee, we have resolved to withdraw the Bill.”

Gokum described the withdrawal as “a demonstration of maturity, humility and respect for public opinion.”

He also thanked CSOs, labour unions and all Plateau citizens who engaged constructively on the matter, noting that their vigilance and participation contributed significantly to strengthening democratic governance.

The development effectively doused tension in the state, with labour leaders welcoming the Assembly’s retreat as a victory for people-centred governance.