Timothy Omobude 
The leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State, led by comrade Bernard Joman Egwekhide warmly commends His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, Executive Governor of Edo State, for the landmark decision taken on 3rd September, 2026, to exclude workers employed into the Civil and Public Service of Edo State before the enactment of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) Law of 2017 from the CPS.
Accordingly, workers in the Edo State Public Service who were employed before January 2017 and subsequently enrolled in the CPS are to be restored to the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS), effective immediately, subject to the necessary implementation directives of the Edo State Government.
The Nigeria labour congress also welcomes the decision concerning Edo State workers who were employed before January 2017 but have already retired under the CPS. Under the new arrangement, affected retirees are to enjoy the appropriate pension status and treatment applicable to their colleagues under the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), in accordance with the implementation of the Governor’s directive. Consequently, further CPS-related deductions from the salaries of affected pre-2017 Edo State workers are expected to cease forthwith.
The treatment and reconciliation of contributions previously deducted under the CPS are expected to be addressed by the relevant authorities as part of the implementation process.
The NLC Edo State sincerely appreciate Governor Monday Okpebholo for his pragmatic and practical approach to governance and listening to the longstanding concerns of Edo workers and pensioners and for taking this significant decision. This is a victory for Edo State workers and pensioners, we also commend the Governor for demonstrating responsiveness to the legitimate concerns of the organized workforce. We equally look forward to the prompt and transparent implementation of the directive by all relevant government agencies.
THANK YOU, MR. GOVERNOR!
Signed:
Comrade Bernard Joman Egwakhide
Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Edo State.
