The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevail on state governors to settle outstanding pension increase arrears owed to retirees across the country.
The union’s appeal was contained in a statement issued in Abuja by its National President, Godwin Abumisi, who congratulated the President on his 74th birthday and commended the Federal Government’s efforts toward improving the welfare of pensioners.
In the statement, the union noted that while the Federal Government had taken significant steps to improve pensioners’ welfare, many retirees at the state level were yet to benefit from ongoing reforms, particularly the recently approved pension increase.
The union explained that the intervention of the President had become necessary because many state governments were yet to implement the new pension structure and pay the arrears owed to retirees, leaving many elderly citizens struggling to survive amid rising living costs.
According to the NUP, pensioners across the country joined in celebrating the President in recognition of his administration’s policies aimed at restoring the dignity and welfare of retirees who had served the country during their active years.
The union specifically cited the approval of a N32,000 monthly pension increase as one of the administration’s major achievements, describing it as a bold and compassionate decision that has brought much-needed relief to retirees grappling with economic hardship and inflation.
Abumisi said that despite the approval, the reality on the ground in many states is that pensioners are yet to receive the increase and the arrears that have accumulated over time. He noted that many retirees depend solely on their pensions for survival and often face serious financial difficulties when payments are delayed or not implemented.
He therefore appealed to the President to use his office to encourage and persuade state governors to prioritise pension payments and clear all outstanding arrears, stressing that pensioners deserve to enjoy the fruits of their labour after years of service to the nation.
The union also emphasised that timely payment of pensions is not just a financial obligation but a moral responsibility, noting that retirees should not be subjected to hardship after dedicating their productive years to public service.
Abumisi said the union remains committed to constructive engagement with both federal and state governments to ensure that pensioners receive their entitlements without delay. He added that the welfare of retirees should remain a key priority in government policies, especially at a time when many elderly citizens are facing rising healthcare costs and general living expenses.
The NUP expressed optimism that with the President’s intervention, state governments would take the necessary steps to implement the pension increase and clear all outstanding arrears, thereby improving the living conditions of pensioners across the country.
The union reaffirmed its support for policies that promote the welfare of retirees and pledged to continue advocating for the rights and dignity of pensioners nationwide.
As discussions around pension reforms continue in the country, the appeal by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners highlights the growing concerns among retirees and the need for stronger coordination between federal and state governments to ensure that pension policies are fully implemented for the benefit of senior citizens.
