The Transitional National Legislative Assembly (TNLA) on Monday resolved to summon the national minister of finance and planning and the minister of public service to respond to concerns over the government’s failure to remit statutory pension contributions to the South Sudan Pension Fund.
Speaker Joseph Ngere Paciko told lawmakers the move aims to obtain a comprehensive account of the pension situation, including payments made and outstanding arrears.
“The motion is to summon the minister of finance before parliament to provide a comprehensive report on the total pension arrears and a breakdown of the periods during which the arrears accrued,” Paciko said.
The decision follows an urgent motion tabled by David De Dau, a lawmaker representing Twic East County in Jonglei state under the South Sudan Opposition Alliance (SSOA).
Dau raised concerns over the continued failure by the Ministry of Finance and Planning to remit statutory pension contributions, warning of serious legal and economic consequences.
He said the Pension Fund Act mandates the South Sudan Pension Fund to manage pension schemes, collect contributions, maintain records and ensure timely payment of retirement benefits—functions he described as essential to social protection and public sector integrity.
However, he said oversight and financial monitoring indicate persistent non-remittance of contributions by the finance ministry.
Dau said the arrears date back to 2006 and amount to billions of South Sudanese pounds and more than $100 million.
“Total estimated arrears stand at 72 billion South Sudanese pounds, equivalent to $106.4 million,” he said.
The lawmaker warned that failure to remit pension contributions violates key laws, including the Public Financial Management and Accountability Act and the Pension Fund Act, and undermines public trust.
“Pension contributions constitute deferred earnings of public servants and are not discretionary government revenue,” he said.
He added that the situation exposes the government to long-term liabilities and deprives retirees of their rightful benefits.
Parliament also resolved to summon the minister of public to respond to the concerns and provide detailed explanations.
Speaking to reporters after the session, Oliver Mori Benjamin said parliament expects the finance minister to appear once he returns from an International Monetary Fund meeting in the United States.
“It was noted that since 2006, not all pension beneficiaries have been receiving their dues regularly. Given the importance of this matter, the house agreed to refer the motion,” he said.
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