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From Okwe Obi, Abuja
Retired workers under the banner of Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) have cried to President Bola Tinubu to prevail on state governors to clear all pension arrears owed to pensioners in the states.
The Union said its call became necessary because many pensioners at the sub-national levels were yet to benefit from the ongoing reforms, even as federal interventions continue to bring relief to retirees.
Its National President, Godwin Abumisi, in a statement yesterday, commended President Tinubu for his commitment towards improving the welfare of retirees across the country.
Abumisi, who lauded the President on his 74th birthday, described his leadership as purposeful and responsive to the needs of pensioners.
According to him, pensioners across the country celebrate the President in recognition of policies that have improved the welfare and dignity of retirees.
“The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) heartily congratulates President Bola Tinubu on the auspicious occasion of his 74th birthday.
“This milestone is not only a celebration of age but of purposeful leadership, courage and steadfast commitment to repositioning Nigeria at a critical time in its history.”
He pointed out the approval of a N32,000 monthly pension increase for pensioners, describing it as a major relief amid prevailing economic challenges.
He said the increase was a bold and compassionate decision that has brought the much-needed relief to retirees grappling with rising living costs, and it has rekindled hope among pensioners nationwide.
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He also commended the Federal Government’s approval of about N700 billion to clear outstanding liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) and N57 billion for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), noting that the intervention was addressing long-standing arrears.
“This landmark intervention is addressing the backlog of accrued rights owed to CPS retirees, many of whom had endured years of uncertainty and hardship after meritorious service to the nation,” he stated.
In addition, he acknowledged the efforts to settle arrears owed to pensioners, particularly those in government parastatals under the Defined Benefit Scheme, saying the move had helped restore confidence in government’s commitment to its obligations.
This is even as he praised the sustained prompt payment of monthly pensions and the Federal Government’s responsiveness in addressing delays.
“We further commend the sustained prompt payment of monthly pensions, as well as your timely intervention in resolving delays, which demonstrated responsive and people-centred leadership.
“We respectfully urge Your Excellency to use your good offices to prevail on state governors to fully implement all approved pension increases for state pensioners, so that retirees at the sub-national level can equally benefit from these reforms,” he appealed.
He further reiterated the importance of fast-tracking the proposed health insurance scheme for pensioners.
“We also reiterate that the proposed Health Insurance Scheme for Pensioners remains a critical expectation. We are hopeful that its approval and the release of funds for implementation will be expedited in no distant time.
“Mr. President, NUP wishes you good health, strength and wisdom to sustain policies that will promote economic growth, national development and the security of lives and property across the country,” he said.
