By Michael Oche
The Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners’ Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) has expressed support for the appointment of Major General Junaid Bindawa as Chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), urging him to prioritise the welfare of pensioners in the discharge of his duties.
The association also commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for appointing what it described as a competent and experienced person to lead the commission.
In a congratulatory letter signed by its President General, Elder Benjamin Amako, and Deputy General Secretary, Abubakar Usman, FEPPPAN said Bindawa’s pedigree, discipline and experience would be valuable in advancing the mandate of the NSIWC.
The pensioners described the commission as the “heartbeat” of workers’ and pensioners’ welfare, stressing that effective leadership was critical to protecting the interests of both groups.
FEPPPAN particularly urged the new chairman to give priority to pensioners in the implementation of the three-yearly review of pensions and wages.
The association said senior citizens should not be left behind in the government’s wage and income policies, particularly amid changing economic realities and rising welfare concerns.
According to FEPPPAN, the NSIWC has statutory responsibilities covering both workers and pensioners, including the periodic review of pensions and wages.
The association said 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.
It also recalled that President Tinubu, in 2024, reduced the interval for the periodic review of pensions and wages from five years to three years.
FEPPPAN described the policy as an important development and urged Bindawa to ensure its effective implementation in a manner that adequately addresses the concerns of pensioners.
“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 said.
The pensioners also drew Bindawa’s attention to the three pension unions registered and recognised by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
They identified the unions as FEPPPAN, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), and the Contributory Pensioners Union of Nigeria (CPUN).
The association urged the new NSIWC chairman to adopt an inclusive approach in the discharge of his responsibilities and ensure that the interests of workers and pensioners are adequately reflected in decisions on wages, pensions and incomes.
FEPPPAN expressed optimism that Bindawa’s appointment would strengthen the capacity of the commission to deliver on its mandate and improve attention to the welfare of Nigeria’s workers and pensioners.
The association also wished the new chairman wisdom and guidance throughout his tenure, while reiterating its appreciation to the President for appointing him to lead the commission.
