Gov Uzodinma Recovers N2bn Loot, Launches Contributory Pension Scheme

To find a lasting solution to the loopholes in the pension and salary administration in Imo State, Governor Hope Uzodinma has announced the computerization of the state’s civil service payroll system.

Other measures adopted by his administration in tackling the pandemic include the launch of proper identification of the state civil servants, cancellation of deduction of dues for associations, stoppage of the manual payment of salaries, creation of a conflict resolution system on all salaries and pension matters, as well as plugging of leakages in the salaries and pension system, which he said led to the reduction of the state pensions from N1.3b to N700m monthly.

The governor stated this during a meeting he held on Saturday with the leadership of the National Union of Pensioners and the Nigerian Labour Congress, Imo State branch, in the Government House, Owerri.

According to him, the result of the plugging of leakages in salaries and pensions administration, which his government adopted, led to the saving of over N2bn, hitherto being stolen from the state treasury.

He said, “Our goal is to ensure that only duly employed workers and properly retired persons are paid. We are migrating Imo State to contributory pensions in a bid to ensure that workers get more values for their work and monies.”

Governor Uzodinma also announced the abolition of the use of microfinance banks in the administration of pensions and salaries in the state because of noticeable frauds being perpetrated through them. He also stated that his administration had abolished use of consultants for the payment of pensioners, and advised those having problems with theirs to follow the due process to resolve them.

While condemning those siphoning workers’ salaries and pensions under any guise, he vowed that, “Salaries and pensions are blood money, and I will not be caught ‘eating’ such monies.”