The federal government says unions have a duty to enforce state governments' payment of the minimum wage following the failure of some states to pay.
The Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), George Akume, said this on Thursday in Abuja at the end of a two-day pre-retirement summit, organised by XEM Consulting Ltd.
Mr. Akume, represented by Nnamdi Mbaeri, Permanent Secretary of the OSGF General Service Bureau, urged unions not to leave the implementation of the law to the government.
“So, while we are discussing pension payments, I will also hand the issue back to the labour sector; you have a duty to enforce these laws; it is not just a matter of complaining.
“You should be able to go in and ensure compliance with these laws by the relevant stakeholders.
“The federal government can make policy and issue circulars, but then the responsibility for ensuring that non-compliance is sanctioned falls on those who oversee its implementation.
“Whether it's a minimum wage or a pension, the best law you can make is one that can be enforced; if you make a general law that can't be enforced, that law is useless,” he said.
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According to Mr. Akume, the federal government has initiated reform programmes that will lift people out of poverty in the near future, but Nigerians must be patient.
George Akume
Earlier in his remarks, the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Joe Ajaero, lamented that the current pension scheme did not adequately address Nigeria's ageing population.
“Nigerian workers, before and after retirement, face difficult life situations; the lump sum payment should be increased by at least 50 percent.
“Together we can create a system that ensures workers a retirement period filled with joy and not anxiety; the theme of this summit resonates with today's workforce.
“Retirement under the current pension system can become a death sentence for many; many questions fill the minds of workers after retirement regarding the pension system.
“Inadequate pension benefits, inflation, rising costs and financial contributions made it difficult to match current pre-retirement monetary values after retirement,” he said.
Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Folashade Yemi-Esan, said her office was working on revamping the existing health insurance programme to accommodate retirees.
Mrs Yemi-Esan, represented by Comfort Adeosun, Director, Office of the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, said pensioners should not be abandoned in their old age.
“Currently, on the day of your retirement, the next thing that happens with your enrollment in the National Health Insurance System (NHIS) is that it is discontinued.
“But we are working on insurance; when she arrived, she told us to start the campaign; I come from a part of the system where we treat them when they are retired.
“The NLC chairman mentioned that the military had retirement camps; the military also had health care plans for retirees; you just show up at the hospital and all we need to see is that you are being treated.
“We need to work together as public officials and civil servants to make the new policies we are trying to formulate work; we must be willing to believe in it.”
The service chief also said efforts have been stepped up to ensure that workers own their homes before they retire.
“We have already obtained more land and we have told ourselves that we must do more.
“If you get a house and you have health insurance when you retire, what more do you want? As I said, the head of service wants to accomplish a lot before she leaves,” she said.
According to Ms Yemi-Esan, her office has developed a retirement scheme that will help civil servants maximise their skills, especially in the agricultural value chain.
The convener of the Pre-Retirement Summit, Eugenia Ndukwe, has assured that the welfare of Nigerian workers, especially retirees, will always be at the forefront of the agenda.
Ms Ndukwe said the theme of the summit, “Retirement Challenges, Prospects, Strategies and Opportunities in Nigeria”, was carefully chosen to prepare future retirees for retirement.
“This theme resonates deeply with our vision of creating a hub where employees approaching retirement, stakeholders and industry suppliers can converge, share resources and co-create innovative solutions for a fulfilling post-work life.
“We have marked an important milestone in our collective journey towards redefining retirement in Nigeria.
“The summit aims to address the urgent need for a supportive ecosystem that will enable retired Nigerians to make a smooth transition, pursue their passions and maintain financial sustainability.
“We envision a future where ageing is celebrated and prosperity is within everyone’s reach.
“We will explore strategies for sustainable income, healthcare and personal growth, as well as opportunities for entrepreneurship, mentoring and community involvement,” she said.
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The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that awards were given to exceptional individuals and institutions that have made a significant impact on the lives of Nigerian workers and retirees.
Among the award categories is Best Media Personality in Print, Radio and Television in Support of Retiree Welfare.
(YAYA)