Non-Contributory Pension Scheme and Welfare of Retired Civil Servants in Ebonyi State, Nigeria

Abstract

The challenges pensioners experience in the non-contributory pension scheme before accessing their retirement benefits are enormous in Nigeria. Delays in the payment of pensions and gratuities, coupled with frustrations during screening exercises have negative implications on pensioners’ welfare. These challenges necessitated the introduction of contributory pension scheme in 2004. This study examined the influence of the non-contributory pension scheme on post retirement life of civil servants in Ebonyi State. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to administer questionnaire to 365 respondents. In-depth interviews were conducted with three key respondents. There was a significant association between monthly pension’s distribution of retirees’ and meeting their welfare needs. The majority of the respondents indicated that the pension provided under the non-contributory pension scheme was not adequate in meeting retirees’ welfare needs. Also, there was a significant association between monthly pensions and retirees’ household size. Indepth interviews revealed inadequate preparations for retirement by pensioners, delay in payment of retirement benefits, embezzlement of pension funds, corrupt practices among pension managers and governments’ unwillingness to review pensions as challenges confronting the non-contributory pension scheme. The provisions of the non-contributory pension scheme were inadequate in meeting retirees’ welfare needs in Ebonyi State. The study therefore recommended the adoption of the 2004 Pension scheme so as to overcome the challenges inherent in the management of noncontributory pension scheme in Ebonyi State, Nigeria.