§ Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what pension scheme is in force for African ex-Government employees in Nigeria; the total amount being disbursed; and what amelioration of the scheme is under consideration.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe Governor-General of the Federation of Nigeria, tells me that where an African employee is of pensionable status, retiring benefits are payable under the Pensions Ordinance, which provides a pension of 1/600th of final pensionable emoluments for each month of pensionable service. Where the employee is non-pensionable, provision is made for a retiring allowance of 1/800th of retiring emoluments for each month's service. Gratuities are awarded for service of between five and 15 years.
157WThe estimated expenditure in the next financial year for African pensioners is £500,000, while for retiring non-pensionable employees it is £140,000. Increases to pensions were granted in 1944, 1948 and 1952. It is estimated that over 2,600 pensioners draw increases totalling approximately £40,000 per annum. No further amelioration is contemplated at present, but the question is under constant review.