By Michael Oche
The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has renewed its call for an amendment of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to allow retirees access to their full pension savings as a one-off bulk payment, instead of the current 25 percent lump sum allowed at exit.
ASCSN National President, Comrade Shehu Mohammed, made the demand on Thursday at the opening of the Union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting in Abuja.
He described the existing pension withdrawal structure as “grossly unfair” to retirees battling current economic hardship.
Mohammed said thousands of federal workers who contributed diligently throughout their careers are retiring into poverty because the 25 percent lump sum “cannot do anything meaningful” under present inflationary pressures.
“The current request from many contributors is that the total money should be paid in bulk so that retirees who are adults can do any investments they desire with their money.
“The Contributory Pension Scheme law should be amended by introducing a new clause to the effect that contributors who wish to collect all their money in lump sum at once should be able to do so,” he said.
He added that unnecessary delays caused by Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) and Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) mean retirees often wait up to two years before receiving their initial payments, worsening their hardship.
The Union, he said, is already engaging relevant stakeholders to push for an amendment to the CPS that will insert a new clause enabling full bulk withdrawal without overhauling the entire Act.
Mohammed also revealed that the Union has continued to demand the settlement of promotion arrears, salary differentials, duty tour allowances, and other outstanding benefits owed civil servants across MDAs.
He raised concerns over worsening insecurity nationwide and urged the Federal Government to overhaul the existing security architecture.
For state policing, he proposed an oversight structure that prevents abuse by governors, involving labour leaders, traditional rulers, civil society organizations, religious groups, and students.
Meanwhile, eeclaring open the meeting, the Minister of Labour and Employment praised the Association for its “long-standing commitment to advancing the rights, welfare, and professional development of senior civil servants across our country,” describing ASCSN as a “dependable partner” in strengthening Nigeria’s industrial relations system.
“It is my honour and privilege to join you at this important National Executive Council meeting of your great Association,” the Minister said. “As a Ministry, we remain fully committed to fostering harmonious industrial relations, promoting decent work, and creating an enabling environment where workers and employers can thrive.”
He emphasised the government’s commitment to social dialogue, noting: “This administration will continue to prioritize social dialogue as a tool for resolving disputes and improving workplace conditions. We are mindful of the challenges being experienced across various sectors—ranging from economic pressures to workplace transformation driven by technology—yet we are equally encouraged by the resilience and professionalism of unions such as yours.”
Calling on delegates to use the meeting to address critical issues facing civil servants, he assured them of the Ministry’s “continued partnership and support.”
