A BILL to provide pension and retirement benefits for former speakers, deputy speakers, principal officers and members has passed second reading at Plateau State House of Assembly presided over by its speaker, Daniel Nanlong.
The bill sponsored by Mr Eli Ankala (APC/Rukuba Irigwe) was went through first and second reading during plenary on Tuesday in Jos.
Ankala said the bill, when passed into law, would also create the Plateau House of Assembly Pension Board to oversee pension administration, collate and maintain pension records.
The lawmaker explained that the bill would also eliminate ghost pensioners from the system and ensure efficient, transparent and accountable pension management.
He added that the proposed law was intended to create a structured and sustainable pension system for former legislators who had served the state.
“The establishment of the pension board would strengthen the administration of pension matters through proper documentation of beneficiaries, effective data management and regular verification to prevent irregularities.
“The bill is designed to ensure that eligible former lawmakers receive their retirement benefits in an orderly, transparent and accountable manner, while promoting prudent management of public resources.
“The legislation would also provide a legal framework for pension administration, improve record-keeping and enhance public confidence in the management of retirement benefits for former members of the Assembly,” he said.
Meanwhile, the House Committee on Health presented its report on a bill for a law to provide funds and other support to approved faith-based health institutions in Plateau.
Mr Yakubu Sanda (APC/Pengana) recalled that on March 25, 2025, the house asked the committee to study and subject the bill to a public hearing on the 22nd of August, 2025, where it received views from critical stakeholders.
Sanda said the bill had general acceptance since it provided compassionate and quality healthcare services to all, regardless of faith, race or socioeconomic status.
The lawmaker further said that the bill promoted health quality and addressed health disparities in underserved communities.
Similarly, a bill seeking a law on the prohibition of the manufacture, transportation and sales of single-use plastics, sponsored by Prof. Theodore Maiyaki (APC/Qua’an Pan South), also passed second reading. (NAN)
