PenCom Hails Diri As Nigeria’s Most Worker-Friendly Governor, Bayelsa Clears N20bn Gratuity Backlog

The National Pension Commission (PenCom) has described Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, as the most worker-friendly and worker-centric governor in Nigeria, commending his administration for its commitment to the welfare of workers and the security of pensioners.

PenCom made the commendation on Thursday when a delegation led by the Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Charles Emukowhate, who represented the Commission’s Director-General, Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, paid a courtesy visit to Governor Diri at Government House, Yenagoa.

The commission noted that the Diri administration had taken significant steps to strengthen pension administration in the state and facilitate the transition to the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).

Among the measures highlighted were the amendment of the state’s Pension Law in December 2022 to align it with the National Pension Reform Act, the establishment of state pension institutions, the appointment of a substantive head of the Pensions Board in February 2026 and the procurement of employer codes for 108 Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs).

Emukowhate said the developments had positioned Bayelsa to become one of the leading states in the implementation of pension reforms.

He said the state’s progress was particularly commendable because not many governors had demonstrated the same level of commitment to pension reforms.

“Not many governors are dedicated to these reforms. These achievements are noteworthy, and we believe Bayelsa State is well positioned to take this important step and emerge as one of the leading states in pension reform implementation in Nigeria.

“This is easily the most worker-friendly and worker-centric governor in Nigeria.”

The PenCom delegation said the visit was aimed at strengthening collaboration with the state government on pension reforms and supporting Bayelsa’s transition to the Contributory Pension Scheme.

According to the commission, pension reform goes beyond financial policy, as it serves as a social protection mechanism that guarantees workers dignity, financial security and peace of mind after years of service.

PenCom urged the state government to commence the immediate registration of employees with Pension Fund Administrators and ensure the remittance of both employer and employee contributions.

It also recommended the engagement of qualified actuaries to determine accrued pension rights, the establishment of appropriate funding arrangements and the provision of a group life insurance policy to protect the families of workers who die while in active service.

The commission also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his commitment to the welfare of pensioners and the settlement of outstanding pension liabilities at the federal level.

Responding, Governor Diri said the welfare of workers and pensioners remained a major priority of his administration.

The governor recalled that his administration inherited a huge backlog of unpaid pensions and gratuities when it assumed office in 2020, with some senior citizens owed gratuities dating back to 2007.

Diri disclosed that his administration had so far paid more than N20 billion in outstanding gratuities owed to state retirees.

He added that the local government system also inherited substantial pension and gratuity liabilities, noting that his administration had provided financial support to the councils and implemented reforms that enabled them to clear their outstanding obligations.

The governor said his administration was determined to institutionalise a pension system that would guarantee workers security and dignity after retirement.

“For us, it is something that we must continue to do and even create a better environment before we leave. We want to ensure that anybody who is retiring will have that security and safety that you do not need to go and influence anybody in the office. What is due to you will be given to you,” he said.

Diri disclosed that the state had commenced the process of transitioning to the Contributory Pension Scheme, including the determination of accrued liabilities and the review of actuarial reports.

He said the state had amended its pension law, engaged consultants and reached the stage of employee registration, while modalities were also being developed for settling existing pensioners and commencing the contributory scheme.

The governor assured PenCom of Bayelsa’s readiness to work closely with the commission, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other stakeholders to ensure a transparent and successful implementation of the scheme.

He said the process was being handled openly and inclusively to ensure that all stakeholders were carried along.

According to Diri, the successful implementation of the Contributory Pension Scheme would represent another major achievement of his administration in securing the future of workers and pensioners in the state.