… Demand Creation of Pension Ministry
By Eunice Nnachi, Yenagoa
The National Association of Retirees of State Government has threatened to embark on a nationwide protest if state governors fail to urgently review pension payments in line with the provisions of the Nigerian Constitution.
The association also called on President Bola Tinubu to establish a Federal Ministry of Pension Affairs to ensure dedicated annual budgetary allocations for the welfare of pensioners across the country.
National President of the association, Comrade Simon Anchaver, made the declaration on Monday in Yenagoa during the inauguration of the Bayelsa State interim executive of the newly registered union.
Anchaver expressed concern over what he described as the arbitrary manner in which some state governments handle pension payments, stressing that retirees deserve dignity and financial security after years of service.
“We will not hesitate to mobilise pensioners across the country for a peaceful nationwide protest if governors continue to ignore their constitutional responsibility to retirees,” he said.
He added, “Pension is a constitutional right, not a favour. State governments must ensure prompt and adequate payment of pensions to retired workers.”
The union leader, however, commended the Governor of Nasarawa State for approving the release of N7 billion to offset pension arrears and gratuities.
“We commend the Nasarawa State Governor for this bold and compassionate step. Other governors who are yet to address pension backlogs should emulate this example,” Anchaver stated.
Also speaking, the National General Secretary of the union, Comrade John Bipre Ndiomu, said the association had recently been registered and gazette, and was currently inaugurating state chapters nationwide.
“Our union is now fully registered and recognised. We are committed to ensuring that pensioners across Nigeria have a strong and united voice,” Ndiomu said.
He urged state governments to put in place effective measures to improve the welfare of retirees.
“Pensioners have served this country diligently. They should not be made to suffer in retirement,” he added.
Representing the Bayelsa State Head of Service, the Permanent Secretary, Establishment, Training and Pension Bureau, Dr. Charles Enuma, assured the union of government’s readiness to engage constructively.
“The state government remains open to dialogue and partnership in addressing issues affecting retirees. Your leadership should serve as a bridge between pensioners and government,” Enuma said.
In his acceptance speech, the newly inaugurated Bayelsa State Chairman, Elder Bazigha Tanwei, pledged transparent leadership and sustained advocacy.
“We will operate an open-door policy, maintain regular consultations with our members, and continue to engage the government to ensure the clearance of outstanding pension arrears,” Tanwei said.
