By Michael Oche
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene in the payment of outstanding state pension arrears, urging him to prevail on governors to implement approved pension increases for retirees.
The union made the appeal whileumisi congratulating the President on his 74th birthday, commending his administration’s efforts to improve the welfare of pensioners at the federal level.
In a statement signed by its National President, Comrade Elder Godwin Abumisi, the NUP said the intervention had become necessary as many pensioners at the state level are yet to benefit from ongoing pension reforms.
“The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) heartily congratulates President Bola Ahmed 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,” the statement read.
The union noted that pensioners across the country are celebrating the President in recognition of policies that have improved the welfare and dignity of retirees.
Abumisi highlighted key achievements of the administration, including the approval of a N32,000 monthly pension increase, describing it as a major relief amid rising living costs.
According to the NUP, the increase is “a bold and compassionate decision that has brought much-needed relief to retirees,” adding that it has rekindled hope among pensioners nationwide.
The union 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 is 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,” it stated.
The NUP further acknowledged efforts to settle arrears owed to pensioners, particularly those in government parastatals, saying the move has helped restore confidence in government’s commitment to its obligations.
It also 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 demonstrate responsive and people-centred leadership,” the statement added.
The union noted that the approval for the payment of gratuities to retired workers is another significant step toward improving pensioners’ welfare.
However, it stressed that many retirees at the state level are yet to benefit from similar reforms, hence the need for presidential intervention.
“We respectfully urge Mr President 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 subnational level can equally benefit from these reforms,” the statement said.
The NUP also reiterated the need to fast-track the proposed health insurance scheme for pensioners, describing it as a critical component of social protection.
“We are hopeful that the approval and release of funds for the Health Insurance Scheme for Pensioners will be expedited,” it added.
