The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has announced the compulsory retirement of its General Secretary, Elder (Comrade) Actor Zal, citing his attainment of the approved retirement age of 65 and completion of over 42 years of service.
Speaking at a press briefing in Abuja, the National President of NUP, Elder Godwin Abumisi, explained that the decision was taken in line with the Union’s constitution, resolutions of its National Executive Council (NEC), and established retirement regulations. He stressed that no organisation can operate without defined retirement rules, noting that while the Nigerian public service retires staff at 60 years or 35 years of service, NUP extended the threshold to 65 years or 40 years of service. Zal, he said, had exceeded both limits.
Abumisi revealed that instead of complying, Zal reported him to the police, leading to his brief questioning by security operatives. The Union later issued a formal notice of retirement, directing Zal to hand over responsibilities and assets to the Deputy General Secretary. When he resisted accepting the letter, the Union pasted the notice on his office door and forwarded it electronically.
The NUP President also disclosed that an administrative committee has been constituted to investigate issues surrounding the Union’s finances and asset acquisitions allegedly involving the retired General Secretary. He dismissed allegations of forging Zal’s signature on the amended constitution, clarifying that both leaders had voluntarily deposited specimen signatures with the Union in August 2025 for administrative purposes.
Abumisi reassured pensioners that the leadership was acting in their collective interest and commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for recent interventions in the pension sector, including the release of ₦58 billion and ₦758 billion for pension increases and accrued rights.
The development marks a significant shake-up within the Union, as it seeks to enforce retirement rules and address internal disputes while maintaining accountability to its members.
By Michael Oche, Abuja
