Edo State Pensions Bureau

01/10/2026

23/09/2026

Edo State Govt Assures Refund of Pensioners’ Contributions for CPS to DBS Transit

The Edo State Government has assured the refund of the (8%) pensioners’ contributions for those who were recently migrated from the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) to the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).

The assurance was given by the Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Pension Bureau, Mr. Washington Abbe, during an interview with members of the press in Benin City, while addressing concerns surrounding the transition of affected pensioners from the CPS to the DBS. He explained that the Edo State Government was committed to ensuring that pensioners were not disadvantaged by the migration process.

According to Mr. Abbe, the contributions made by the affected workers under the CPS would be refunded to them in line with the Government’s decision to migrate them to the DBS. He also addressed concerns regarding the 10 per cent matching contributions made by the Edo State Government under the CPS arrangement, clarifying that the matching contributions would be refunded to the Government and subsequently reallocated towards the settlement of pension liabilities.

On why workers’ (CPS) contributions were last remitted by the Edo State Government in January 2025, Mr. Abbe explained that the delay was due to a new payment process which was introduced by the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) for state governments and the registered Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs). He explained that with the new payment arrangement, PENCOM appointed an intermediary to facilitate the remittance of pension contributions and safeguard employees’ funds from loss or misallocation due to missing Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) or discrepancies arising from PIN mismatch.

Mr. Abbe continued that under the new payment arrangement, states were required to reconcile the PINs of all employees before the pension contributions could be processed and transferred through the designated third party. However, he assured that the funds were ready for payment, noting that the Edo State Government was awaiting PENCOM’s assurance on the safety and security of the funds before proceeding with the remittance through the intermediary.

The Permanent Secretary submitted that the State Government remained committed to ensuring that the pension transition process was handled transparently and in a manner that will protect the interests of affected workers and pensioners in the State.

By Rose Imonikhe

23/09/2026

PRESS STATEMENT

Edo Transition Pre-2017 Workers from Contributory Pension Scheme to Defined Benefit Scheme

The Edo State Government, under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, has approved the transition of workers recruited into the State Public Service before the adoption of the State Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) on January 1st, 2017, to the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).
Governor Okpebholo gave the approval on the heels of several agitations and protests by affected workers under the umbrella of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Joint Negotiating Council, which had lingered for several years before the inception of his administration.

Prior to the adoption of the CPS, workers employed under the Defined Benefit Scheme were entitled to a lump-sum gratuity upon retirement, as well as monthly pension payments for the rest of their lives.

The arrangement, however, became increasingly difficult to sustain as governments at the Federal, State and Local Government levels struggled to meet their pension obligations. This resulted in the accumulation of pension and gratuity backlogs, which successive administrations had to contend with.

These challenges, among others, led to the introduction of the Contributory Pension Scheme in 2010 as a more sustainable approach to pension administration and the management of retirement obligations.

Edo State adopted the Contributory Pension Scheme on January 1st, 2017, transitioning workers into the scheme as required by law. Under the scheme, government and employees are required to contribute 10% and 8% respectively, with the funds managed by approved Pension Fund Administrators.
The CPS was designed to provide workers with a lump-sum payment at retirement, while the balance of their pension savings would be utilized as periodic pension benefits. The scheme also provides group life insurance, which offers financial relief to the families of deceased employees, among other benefits.

The scheme appeared to provide a more sustainable solution to the challenge of pension and gratuity backlogs which successive administrations inherited. However, at the point of its adoption in Edo State, workers who had only a few years left in service were transitioned into the scheme, creating a major challenge for those with limited years of contribution.

Consequently, some of the affected workers were faced with inadequate retirement benefits because of the short period available for them to contribute to the scheme. This generated significant concerns among workers and pensioners, leading to sustained appeals, agitations and protests by affected persons and organised labour.

In response to the concerns, Governor Okpebholo, in his compassionate and responsive manner, constituted a committee to review the situation and ascertain the financial implications of a possible policy shift by the State Government.

Following the submission of the committee's report and its consideration by the government, approval was granted for the transition of the affected pre-2017 workers from the Contributory Pension Scheme to the Defined Benefit Scheme.

As required by law, the Edo State Contributory Pension Scheme Law has subsequently been forwarded to the Ministry of Justice for the necessary amendment to give legal backing to the policy shift.

This policy decision is significant, as it removes a major burden and source of concern from the affected workers and provides greater assurance regarding their retirement benefits. It also represents a significant intervention in workers' welfare and demonstrates the responsiveness of the present administration to legitimate concerns raised by public servants.

This is indeed a new dawn for the affected workers and another demonstration of the commitment of the Senator Monday Okpebholo-led administration to improving the welfare, morale and productivity of the Edo State workforce.

I wish to sincerely appreciate His Excellency, Senator Monday Okpebholo, for listening to the concerns and cries of our workers and for taking decisive steps to address this longstanding issue.
Every request brought before His Excellency concerning the welfare of workers has been given due attention, and this approval further demonstrates his compassion and commitment to ensuring that Edo workers are treated with fairness and dignity.

This intervention will not only bring relief to the affected workers but will also boost their confidence and morale, knowing that the government is responsive to their concerns and committed to their wellbeing.

A worker who is assured of his or her welfare and future is better positioned to give maximum commitment to the service of the State. I am therefore confident that this policy decision will further spur productivity, strengthen industrial harmony and encourage greater dedication among workers.

I also hope that other State Civil Services across the country that are confronted with similar challenges will take a cue from this development and explore appropriate measures to address the concerns of their workers.

The Edo State Government remains committed to building a responsive, worker-friendly and productive public service where the welfare of civil servants is prioritized as an important component of effective governance.

Signed:
Anthony Osas Okungbowa, Esq., PhD
Head of Service,
Edo State.

11/09/2026

Edo State Govt Presents ₦92.49m Cheques to Families of Deceased Employees

The Edo State Government under the leadership of Sen. Monday Okpebholo, has presented cheques totaling ₦92,494,002.60 (ninety-two million, four hundred and ninety-four thousand, two Naira and sixty Kobo) to the families of 14 deceased state employees as part of the administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare and the protection of their families.

The cheque presentation, which took place at the Office of the Head of Service in Benin City, was made in pursuant to the provisions of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) Law 2010, as amended, and Section 8(1) of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014. The Law provides for the payment of three times the annual salary of a deceased employee as the first component of death benefits due to beneficiaries.

At the presentation, the Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Directorate of Human Resources, Mrs. B. J. Igbinobaro, explained that the payment represents the first of three components of entitlements due to beneficiaries of deceased employees.

He stated that the other components included the eight percent and the 10 percent employer and employee contributions domiciled with Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), as well as accrued rights for employees who had served the State for at least five years before the commencement of the Contributory Pension Scheme.

The HOS emphasized that the payment reflects the administration’s determination to prioritize workers’ welfare and ensure that the families of deceased employees receive the benefits due to them. He urged the beneficiaries to manage the funds responsibly, particularly those entrusted with the care of minor children, stressing the importance of using the money to secure the long-term wellbeing and future of the children left behind.

The Permanent Secretary of the Edo State Pension Bureau, Mr. Washington Abbe, appealed to the beneficiaries to maintain peace and unity among family members in the management of the funds. He advised beneficiaries to consider the interests of other members of the family, particularly siblings and dependants, rather than treating the payment as an entitlement belonging exclusively to the named beneficiary.

Mr. Abbe urged them to ensure that the fund contribute positively to the welfare of the family and not becoming a source of disagreement. He noted that the beneficiaries should see the payment as an opportunity to provide stability for their families during a difficult period, while ensuring that the entitlements of their late relatives are preserved and judiciously utilized.

The beneficiaries included Obakpolor Ighodaro Segun who was a staff of the Post Primary Education Board, whose beneficiary is Obakpolor Kelvin Osas; Okoyo Raymond who was a staff of the High Court of Justice, whose beneficiary is Okoyo Samson Ohonsi; Aidenagbon Fred Izuanje who was a staff of the Ministry of Justice, whose beneficiary is Aidenagbon Evans Idonije and Aidenagbon Omozoje; Arihenbuwa Christopher who was a staff of the Edo State Urban Water Corporation, whose beneficiary is Okuoimose Osakpolor; Odiboh Edeaghe who was a staff of the Edo State Urban Water Corporation, whose beneficiary is Edeaghe Blessing; Inneh Young Ighodaro who was a staff of the Edo State Foresty Commission, whose beneficiary are Inneh Favour Osamagioghomwenwi and Inneh Agbonifo Emmanuel; Omoike Joel who was a staff of the High Court of , whose beneficiary is Omoike Joseph Ehiz; Okoruwa Mabel Ibhalukholor who was a staff of the State Universal Basic Education Board, whose beneficiary is Enefele Joel.

Others were Amedu Christabel who was a staff of the Hospital Management Board, whose beneficiary is Anita Ese Umukuro; Aibangbee Williams who was a staff of the Edo State Urban Water Corporation, whose beneficiary is Aibangbee Loveth Osatohanmwen; Osawaru Friday Aiwagure who was a staff of the Hospital Management Board, whose beneficiary is Osawaru Blessing Amenze; Asemota Osagie Uyi who was a staff of the Directorate of Cabinet Affairs and Special Services, whose beneficiary is Asemota Eseosa Gold; Ugbijeh Ohiozua Lewis who was a staff of the Ministry of Water Resources, whose beneficiary is Blessing Omolegho Ugbijeh and Osagiobare Esosa Elvis who was a staff of Hosipital Management Agency, whose beneficiaries are Osagiobare Abiola Patricia and Osagiobare Iyobosa.

By Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi

19/03/2026

Eid-al-Fitr Felicitation Message from the Chairman/Permanent Secretary, Edo State Pensions Bureau to all Edo Pensioners

I warmly felicitate with all our Muslim pensioners in Edo State as you celebrate the joyous occasion of Eid-al-Fitr, marking the successful completion of the holy month of Ramadan.

This special season speaks directly to the values you have lived by — sacrifice, discipline, patience and service. Even in retirement, your legacy of dedication and commitment to the development of Edo State continues to inspire the present generation of public servants.

As you celebrate with your families and loved ones, I encourage you to sustain the spirit of gratitude, peace and generosity that Ramadan represents. Be assured that your welfare remains important to us, and we will continue to work towards strengthening support systems that promote your wellbeing and dignity.

May this Eid bring you renewed hope, sound health, happiness and abundant blessings.

Signed:
Mr. Washington Osaro Abbe
Chairman/Permanent Secretary
Edo State Pensions Bureau

02/03/2026

As we step into the month of March, we extend our deepest appreciation to our esteemed pensioners whose years of dedication, sacrifice, and service laid the foundation for the Edo State we proudly serve today.

This administration remains committed to protecting your welfare, preserving your dignity, and ensuring that your retirement years are marked by security and respect.

May this new month bring you peace, good health, and continued fulfillment.

28/01/2026

Okpebholo is Committed to Ensuring all Pensioners are Paid - HOS

…urges pensioners to participate in ‘Am Alive’ Verification Exercise

The Edo State Head of Service (HOS), Dr. Anthony Okungbowa, has reaffirmed that the Sen. Monday Okpebholo–led administration is committed to ensuring no State pensioner is denied payment of lawful entitlements.

Dr. Okungbowa gave the assurance during an engagement in his office at the Government House, Benin City, with the Commissioner for Finance, the Accountant-General of the State, and members of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).

While reiterating the State Government’s resolve to prioritise the welfare of pensioners, the HOS stressed the importance of the ongoing “Am Alive” Screening and Verification exercise. He disclosed that a significant number of pensioners were yet to be captured in the process. According to him, the exercise is critical to ensure transparency and accuracy of the Pension Payroll.

The HOS explained that the verification became necessary following observations that some pensioners remained unaccounted for, including cases where entitlements are still being paid to deceased beneficiaries. He stated that the administration is determined to ensure that no genuine pensioner is unfairly treated, and that it is equally important to eliminate irregularities in the system. He disclosed that, rather than immediately removing unverified names from the Payroll, which could adversely affect elderly citizens, the Governor has approved an additional grace period to enable all outstanding pensioners to complete the verification exercise.

Dr. Okungbowa urged the leadership of the NUP to intensify efforts at sensitising its members, particularly at the grassroots, to ensure full participation before the end of the stipulated timeline. He explained that failure to comply with the verification process may eventually compel the State Government to take the difficult decision of removing unverified names from the Payroll, describing such action as a last resort.

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Finance, Mr. Emmanuel Okoebor, appealed to pensioners to come forward for the exercise, urging the Union to adopt alternative communication channels to reach members who may not be active on digital or social media platforms.

The Permanent Secretary and Chairman of the Edo State Pension Bureau, Mr. Washington Osaro Abbe, revealed that the Verification exercise has been ongoing for some time, but that many pensioners were yet to participate. He explained that the last comprehensive Verification was conducted in May, 2022, making the current exercise long overdue. He announced a further extension of the online "Am Alive Screening" Exercise to Thursday, 12th February, 2026 and urged pensioners to screen at the comfort of their homes via the Bureau's Website: pensionamalive.com.ng.

Mr. Abbe strictly noted that those who fail to participate in the online screening will have their names removed from the State Pension Payroll with effect from February, 2026. He stated, “I Am Alive’ verification aligns with global best practices, which recommend periodic screening at six-month intervals. This exercise would help address cases of unclaimed pensions, including funds returned by banks in respect of deceased pensioners, and further strengthen transparency in pension administration."

On his part, the Edo State Accountant-General, Mr. Julius Anelu, emphasised that it is neither healthy nor sustainable to continue payments to deceased beneficiaries. He noted that the State faces competing developmental needs and must deploy public resources responsibly. He called for effective communication strategies to drive the verification process to completion.

Speaking on behalf of pensioners, the Edo State Chairman of NUP, Comrade Samuel Okhuelegbe, appreciated the HOS for the patience and consideration shown to pensioners, who are yet to be screened. He assured that the Union would intensify awareness campaigns across all zones in the three senatorial districts to ensure that its members, including those in the diaspora, complied with the exercise. He noted that failure to participate in the screening would be the responsibility of affected pensioners and not that of the State Government.

Violet Osatohanmwen Obamwonyi
Public Relations Officer
Edo State Pensions Bureau

Photo Caption
The Edo State Head of Service, Dr. Anthony Okungbowa (middle); in his office in Benin City, with the Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Emmanuel Okoebor; the State Accountant-General, Mr. Julius Anelu; the Permanent Secretary/Chairman, Edo State Pensions Bureau, Mr. Washington Abbe; among others during a strategic meeting with the members of the Nigeria Union of Pension, Edo State Chapter on the ongoing 'Am Alive' Screening Verification Exercise.

28/01/2026

The Edo State Pensions Bureau wishes to announce a further extension of the Edo State Pensioners online "Am Alive Screening" Exercise to Thursday 12th February, 2026 via our website: pensionamalive.com.ng
Consequently, Edo State pensioners especially those who are yet to participate in the Screening exercise are requested to take advantage of the "Period of Grace" and get themselves screened
Kindly note that pensioners who fail to participate in the online "Am Alive Screening" Exercise will have their names removed from the State pension payroll with effect from February, 2026.

Please, be further reminded that all Edo State pensioners are expected to Screen themselves at the comfort of their homes within the period of Grace. Screen via website: pensionamalive.com.ng only.

For enquiry:
Office Line: 08056432506
Tel: 08114800481
E-mail: [email protected]

Signed:
WO. ABBE
Permanent Secretary/Chairman
Edo State Pensions Bureau