Organized labor in Plateau State has scheduled a protest at the State House of Assembly for July 30 to demand the removal of a controversial pension bill. The legislation, which proposes retirement benefits for lawmakers, has faced strong opposition from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and a coalition of civil society groups.
During a joint press briefing in Jos, NLC state chairman Comrade Eugene Manji declared that labor unions would occupy the assembly premises until the bill is discarded. He argued that legislative autonomy should focus on public welfare rather than self-enrichment and urged Governor Caleb Mutfwang to block the measure. TUC chairman Comrade Kenneth Shammah highlighted the hypocrisy of the proposal, noting that the state is currently struggling to pay existing pension arrears to retired civil servants.
Steve Aluko, representing the coalition of civil society organizations, criticized the bill as a violation of accountability standards. He stated that the groups are prepared to mobilize citizens to join the protest if the assembly proceeds with the legislation. The Plateau State House of Assembly has yet to provide an official response to these grievances.
