Sam Philip
Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, on Wednesday, appealed for continuous support of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) on bonds and other matters relating to pensions and the welfare of workers in the State.
Governor Sanwo-Olu spoke during a courtesy visit by the Director-General of the National Pension Commission, Ms Omolola Oloworaran, at the Lagos House, Ikeja.
The Governor said his administration was deliberate and intentional in ensuring that it does not have any outstanding liability, noting that the government is committed to the welfare of civil servants and pensioners in Lagos State.
He said: “We want to appeal that each time we come around for bond issuance, you look at us as A Star and use that measure of mark to quickly support without delaying whatever it is that we are asking for.
“We want to assure you that we are doing things responsibly. All the fundraising is targeted at projects that have life-changing impacts that touch our citizens in various ways. We are always mindful of how we raise those bonds and what we need to use them for.
“For us, it is all about creativity. It is all about ensuring that we can beat inflation at its own track, and we can deliver using private funding quicker, faster and better.”
Speaking earlier, the Director-General of the National Pension Commission, Ms Omolola Oloworaran, hailed Governor Sanwo-Olu’s giant strides in Lagos State, declaring that PenCom is grateful for what the Governor is doing in the pension space.
Oloworaran, while speaking on the Report of the Routine Pension Examination carried out in October last year, which she presented to Governor Sanwo-Olu during the visit, said the report about Lagos State was ‘A’.
She said: “I congratulate you (Governor Sanwo-Olu) for the great strides you are making in Lagos State. Under your leadership, Lagos State has continued to demonstrate responsive governance for delivering tangible solutions like pioneering the mass transit solution like the Blue Line Rail to affordable healthcare, public education and delivering urban service. I am sure the residents of Lagos are happy with what you are doing.
“Your initiative on job creation, youth empowerment and support for small businesses is really helping to develop the state and build livelihoods for millions of residents of Lagos. You are really doing a lot in the State.
“The Governor has been very supportive of the Contributory Pension Schemes and continues to prioritise the financial security of Lagos State workers. He has continued to set the standard, and as of today, almost 100 percent of Lagos State employees are covered under the pension scheme. It is all multiple wins, and I am grateful for what you are doing in the pension space. The report that was provided is A”.