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Says pensioners sleep outside offices awaiting retirement benefits
The former Head of the Pensions Unit at the Federal Ministry of Finance, Mrs Maria Nkereuwem Etukudoh, has lamented the hardship faced by Nigerian retirees, calling for a more humane pension system and a living wage for workers to guarantee dignified retirement.
Etukudoh, who retired from the Federal Civil Service after 25 years of service, spoke on Saturday at a reception held in her honour in Abuja.
She said her experience as a pension officer exposed her to the difficult realities confronting many retirees, particularly delays in accessing their retirement benefits after spending their productive years serving the country.
According to her, it was painful to see elderly citizens who had devoted decades to public service struggle to obtain benefits they had earned.
“There are many challenges because I am retiring as a pension officer. You see retirees who have worked all their lives for this country, and when it is time for them to receive their reward, in most cases they don’t get that reward. Is that not terrible?”
Etukudoh said some pensioners had been forced to spend nights around government offices while waiting for their entitlements, describing the situation as heartbreaking.
“Sometimes you see them crying. Some of them even want to sleep in the office. In some offices, they actually sleep outside because they are waiting for their entitlements. It saddens my heart that after giving all their youthful years, strength, resources and time to the nation, they are not adequately compensated.”
She urged the Federal Government and other relevant authorities to give greater attention to the welfare of retired workers, stressing that prompt payment of pensions and other retirement benefits would restore confidence in the public service.
The retiring pension administrator also called for a living wage for workers, saying the current economic realities had made it increasingly difficult for civil servants to meet their basic needs.
Reflecting on the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy, rising transportation costs, insecurity and the high cost of living, she said workers were under enormous financial pressure.
“To go to work became burdensome. Buying fuel, paying transport fares, feeding the family and paying rent became very difficult. Government should continue improving workers’ welfare because the current minimum wage cannot take anybody anywhere.”
She added: “My salary cannot even fill my car with fuel for two weeks. We need a living wage, not just a minimum wage that loses value before workers receive it.”
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Etukudoh, however, acknowledged efforts by the present administration to address some outstanding pension liabilities and strengthen pension administration.
“There is hope. In this present administration, efforts have been made to pay some outstanding pensioners. There are also plans to improve contribution rates and strengthen exit benefit schemes. Government is trying, and we pray they will do even more because when workers are properly compensated, they will give their very best to public service.”
She also identified inadequate office facilities and poor working conditions as challenges affecting pension administration and service delivery.
“In many offices we don’t have laptops, computers, printers, chairs or even decent office facilities. Sometimes the environment does not dignify workers. When people work under such conditions, service delivery suffers.”
Etukudoh urged pension administrators to treat retirees with compassion and dignity, reminding them that every serving worker would eventually become a pensioner.
“When pensioners come to you, don’t push them aside. When they cry, wipe away their tears. If you can assist them with transport fare, do so. Support them emotionally, physically and spiritually. Pray with them and for them because one day every worker will become a pensioner.”
Husband pays tribute
Her husband, Professor Nkereuwem Etukudoh, Provost of the Federal College of Medical Laboratory Science and Technology, described her retirement as the culmination of decades of commitment to public service and family.
He said he encouraged her to join the civil service in 2001 despite her initial reluctance, expressing gratitude for her dedication throughout her career.
“I encouraged her to join the civil service in 2001, and from that time till now we have not suffered any loss. She has worked, kept the home, remained faithful, and today she is retiring in glory. I thank God for her.”
The professor disclosed that the couple had been married since December 31, 1988, adding that retirement would not mark the end of his wife’s contributions to society.
“She is retiring, but she is not tired. She will continue to contribute to society, support the family and remain active in promoting the work of Jehovah.”
