The Nasarawa State House of Assembly on Tuesday stepped down debate on a bill to make a law for a contributory pension scheme for state employees.

The speaker, Ibrahim Abdullahi, said the debate was stepped down to enable the house to receive inputs from critical stakeholders before its consideration and possible passage into law.

“A Bill for a Law to Make Provision for a Contributory Pension Scheme for Employees in the Public Service of Nasarawa State is very critical to the lives of public servants.

“This bill requires the contributions and inputs of stakeholders, such as the NLC and pensioners, among others.

“We need to call for a public hearing and the time now is too short for us; we will step down the bill. This bill is hereby stepped down till the seventh assembly,’’ Mr Abdullahi said.

The speaker assured public servants and other stakeholders of the assembly’s commitment to get their input on the bill.

Also, on Tuesday, a Bill for a Law for the Establishment of the Nasarawa State College of Education, Akwanga and Other Matters Connected Thereto passed the third reading.

The speaker announced the passage of the bill into law and said it sought to extend the retirement age of academic and non-academic staff of the college from 60 to 65 years.

The speaker directed the house clerk to produce a clean copy of the bill for Governor Abdullahi Sule’s assent.

Earlier, Tanko Tunga (APC-Awe North), the majority leader of the house, moved a motion for the bill to scale to the third reading.

Abel Bala (PDP-Nassarawa Eggon West), the minority leader, seconded the motion.

(NAN)