Lagos State Government has advised its senior officers who are still in active service to start planning for their retirement and also familiarise themselves with all retirement benefits in order to make informed decisions.

The State Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Pensions, Dr. Akintola Benson-Oke gave the advice on Tuesday at a training programme organised by Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions in Lagos for very senior Directors in the State Public Service.

He said that the training was aimed at enlightening the participants who would soon be retiring from active service on the implications of laws and regulations associated with the Contributory Pension Scheme and other relevant retirement laws while they begin to prepare for their lives in retirement.

The Commissioner, who attributed the pitiable conditions of some retirees to their inability to anticipate retirement and plan for it adequately while in active service, stated that such development could be averted if public officers pay attention to their pensions and follow some basic guidelines.

He added that the Lagos State Government in line with the provisions of the Pension Reform Act of 2014, has continuously prioritised the welfare of its employees who had sacrificed the prime of their active years to the service of the State government.

According to the Commissioner, the Lagos State Pension Reform Law 2006 focuses on encouraging persons in the employment of the State Government to save towards their retirement and also to ensure that persons who leave or retire from the service of the State receive their terminal or retirement benefit promptly.

Benson-Oke reiterated the commitment of the present administration to run an open and inclusive policy and assured that the retirees can take joy in the fact that they are not and will not be left behind in the scheme of things by the State Government.

“It is morally wrong for any employer to neglect or refuse to plan and cater for the retirement benefits of its employees. This is an area that the Lagos State Government has continued to excel “. Benson Oke asserted.

While commending the participants at the training, the Commissioner assured that the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions and the Lagos State Pensions Commission, LASPEC, will continue to ensure that public service retirees do not only get what is due to them statutorily but also continue to receive support and assistance that will add value to their lives in retirement.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary in the Office of Establishment and Training, Mrs. Rhoda Ayinde said that the State government does not want retirees to realise the reality of retirement when they have already retired, stressing that early preparation is needed to cope effectively in retirement.

She expressed the hope that the training would equip the participants with adequate information needed to make life in retirement stress-free and enjoyable.