Plateau Assembly Pension for Ex-Lawmakers Sparks Public Debate
The Plateau State House of Assembly is facing growing criticism following the advancement of a bill that seeks to provide pension and retirement benefits for former Speakers, Deputy Speakers, principal officers, and members of the Assembly.
The proposed legislation, which has passed its second reading, was sponsored by Hon. Eli Ankala, representing the Rukuba-Irigwe Constituency. If eventually passed into law, it would establish the Plateau State House of Assembly Pension Board to oversee the administration of retirement benefits for eligible former lawmakers. According to the bill’s sponsor, the proposed board would maintain accurate records of beneficiaries, improve transparency, eliminate irregularities through regular verification exercises, and ensure efficient management of pension funds.
Supporters of the bill argue that former legislators deserve a structured retirement system similar to other public office holders. They contend that creating a dedicated pension framework would promote accountability, proper documentation, and orderly administration of retirement benefits while preventing fraudulent pension claims. The proposal is presented as an effort to institutionalize a transparent and sustainable pension system rather than relying on ad hoc arrangements.
However, the proposal has generated widespread opposition from political parties, civil society organisations, and members of the public. The Plateau State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the bill as self-serving, insensitive, and poorly timed, arguing that the state should prioritize pressing issues such as insecurity, infrastructure, healthcare, education, and economic development instead of introducing new lifetime financial obligations for former lawmakers. The party has urged members of the Assembly to withdraw the bill and has called on residents to oppose the legislation through lawful and democratic means.
Civil society organisations have also rejected the proposal, arguing that it does not reflect the immediate needs of Plateau residents. A coalition of advocacy groups criticized the speed with which the bill progressed through legislative readings and expressed concerns about the absence of sufficient public consultation on a proposal with potentially significant financial implications. The coalition has called for a transparent public hearing before any further legislative action is taken and urged the governor to withhold assent if the bill is passed in its current form.
The controversy has also reignited a broader national conversation about pensions for political office holders in Nigeria. While the Nigerian Constitution specifically allows state legislatures to make laws providing pensions for former governors and deputy governors under certain conditions, legal experts have questioned whether extending similar benefits to former legislators aligns with the spirit of existing constitutional and pension reform frameworks. Critics also point to Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme, established under the Pension Reform Act 2014, arguing that creating separate pension arrangements for elected officials raises questions about fairness and fiscal sustainability.
As of now, the bill has only completed its second reading and has not become law. It will still undergo further legislative scrutiny before any final decision is reached. Whether the proposal ultimately succeeds or is withdrawn, the debate highlights the continuing tension between rewarding public service and ensuring responsible management of public finances in a period marked by economic and security challenges.
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