By Our Correspondent

National News – Workers in Niger State, under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC), have urged Governor Mohammed Bago to implement a new minimum pension and clear outstanding pension arrears.

The demand was made on Friday, May 1, 2026, during the International Workers’ Day celebration held in the state.

Labour leaders said the move is necessary to improve retirees’ welfare and address long-standing financial hardships.

Speaking at the event, NLC Chairman, Idrees Lafene, acknowledged some efforts by the state government, including the extension of service years for teachers, implementation of Grade Level 17 for local government workers, and wage awards for LGA teachers.

However, he stressed that more needs to be done, particularly the resumption of gratuity payments at both state and local government levels.

Lafene also highlighted the stagnation in promotions within the local government system since 2015, describing it as unfair to workers who have remained on the same grade level for years.

He called on the government to urgently address the issue and restore regular career progression.

In response, Governor Bago, represented by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba, outlined steps taken by the administration to enhance workers’ welfare.

He revealed that the government signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Federal Ministry of Finance on the Sustainable Integrated Productive Communities scheme.

According to him, the initiative includes a 100,000-hectare agricultural model aimed at enabling workers and farmers to access productivity-backed mortgages and affordable housing.

He added that the government has paid N6 billion in pension liabilities within three years, surpassing the N4 billion paid between 1999 and 2023.

The labour unions insist that despite these efforts, settling pension arrears and implementing a new pension structure remain critical to ensuring dignity and financial security for retirees.