As part of the package of reforms for the civil service, Abia State Government has engaged no fewer than ten pension administrators for the contributory pension Scheme for civil servants.
The Scheme, according to the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, will be launched in September
The Commissioner described the initiative as a “rare display of government’s unwavering commitment to improving the wellbeing of Abia state workers.”
Kanu said, “The state government is set to formally launch its workers’ contributory pension scheme. To this effect, ten pension fund administrators, that’s PFAs, have been selected and approved for their enlistment for the scheme.
Kanu also disclosed plans to sanitize the transport sector by enforcing traffic rules to ensure that traffic offenders and those driving against the traffic are penalised.
“Offenders, such as those who drive against traffic, along with traffic light offenders, picking up passengers on the road, called ‘AKANELU’, would be fined or prosecuted depending on the severity of the traffic offence. Also, touting in the parks along the roads remains prohibited.
He said government is dismayed at the activities of some individuals who extort traders , particularly at the Ngwa Road market, Aba and warned them to desist or face persecution.
The Commissioner announced that after taking delivery of the first 40 mass transit buses scheduled to arrive in November the State Executive Council has approved the extension of the mass transit services to farflung LGAs including Ukwa East, Arochukwu and Umunnochi.
“This,” he explained, “is in line with the State government’s governance philosophy that the ordinary citizens of the state, who inhabit the hinterlands are the undisputed beneficiaries of government social services and programmes.
“When fully operational, our rural dwellers will enjoy the same exquisite transport services like their counterparts in the cities of Umuahia, Aba and Ohafia.”
Contributing, the Commissioner for Transport, Dr. Chimezie Ukaegbu promised to investigate the allegation of extortion in markets raised by journalists.
