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The Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners’ Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) has backed the newly appointed Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Major General Junaid Bindawa retd), urging him to ensure that pensioners receive a fair share of the government’s periodic wage and pension reviews.
The association also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing Bindawa, describing him as a competent and capable officer whose pedigree, discipline and experience would help strengthen the commission and improve the welfare of workers and pensioners.
In a congratulatory letter signed by its President General, Elder Benjamin Amako, and Deputy General Secretary, Abubakar Usman, FEPPPAN expressed confidence that Bindawa’s appointment would bring renewed attention to issues affecting pensioners.
The association described the NSIWC as the “heartbeat” of workers’ and pensioners’ welfare, stressing that effective leadership was essential to protecting the interests of both groups.
FEPPPAN particularly urged the new chairman to prioritise pensioners in the implementation of the three-yearly review of pensions and wages, saying senior citizens should not be left behind in government’s wage and income policies.
The pensioners reminded Bindawa that the NSIWC has statutory responsibilities covering workers and pensioners, including the periodic review of pensions and wages.
According to the association, Section 173(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended, empowers the commission to review the pensions of public and private sector pensioners alongside workers’ wages.
FEPPPAN also recalled that the Tinubu administration reduced the periodic review of pensions and wages from five years to three years in 2024, describing the policy as an important development that should be effectively implemented.
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It urged Bindawa to leverage the new three-year review framework to address the growing welfare challenges confronting pensioners amid changing economic realities.
“We have confidence in your pedigree, discipline and capacity, and hope that you will extend your kind good gesture to the senior citizens of this great country in the three-yearly reviews of pensions and wages,” the association stated.
FEPPPAN further drew the chairman’s attention to the three pension unions registered and recognised by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
They are FEPPPAN, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), and the Contributory Pensioners Union of Nigeria (CPUN).
The association called on Bindawa to adopt an inclusive approach in discharging his responsibilities and ensure that the concerns of pensioners and workers are adequately reflected in decisions relating to wages, pensions and incomes.
It expressed optimism that the new leadership would strengthen the capacity of the NSIWC to deliver on its mandate and improve the welfare of Nigeria’s workers and pensioners.
The association also reiterated its appreciation to President Tinubu for what it described as the appointment of a competent person to lead the commission, while wishing Bindawa wisdom and guidance throughout his tenure.
