By Michael Oche
The Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) on Tuesday threatened to mobilise its members for a nationwide protest over what it described as the failure of the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to remit check-off dues deducted from pensioners under its jurisdiction.
The Union in a statement issued in Abuja and signed by its President-General, Elder Benjamin Amakko, and General Secretary, Mr. Franklin Erinle, called on President Bola Tinubu and the minister of Labour and Employment to intervene over the issue.
FEPPPAN claimed that instead of complying with the law, PTAD has continued to remit dues belonging to its members to the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), a situation the association described as unlawful and unacceptable.
The pensioners cautioned that the situation has reached a breaking point and could escalate if the agency continues to ignore both the law and directives from relevant authorities.
According to the union, existing labour provisions require that such deductions be remitted to the appropriate registered union representing the affected pensioners.
He stated that, “FEPPPAN has exhausted every avenue of dialogue and administrative resolution available within the system. However, our patience must not be mistaken for weakness.
“If this injustice continues, FEPPPAN will have no option but to mobilise its members across the country and deploy every lawful and democratic instrument available to defend our rights.”
FEPPPAN stated that it has, over time, engaged relevant stakeholders and provided documentation to support its position, while also participating in consultations aimed at resolving the matter.
Citing the provisions of the Trade Unions Act 2004, the union stressed that employers and government agencies are obligated under Section 17 of the law to deduct and remit trade union check-off dues directly to the registered union representing the workers or pensioners concerned.
It also recalled that a policy framework on check-off dues had been developed following consultations with key institutions, including the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment and the Federal Ministry of Justice, to guide the process.
While acknowledging the role of PTAD in pension administration, the union said there was a need for closer alignment with established guidelines and directives to ensure a smooth and mutually beneficial resolution.
FEPPPAN therefore appealed to the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, the Federal Ministry of Justice, and the Registrar of Trade Unions to facilitate discussions and provide guidance that would lead to an amicable resolution.
