THE Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has bemoaned the exclusion of pensioners from the palliative distribution programme initiated by the Federal Government.
The National President of NUP, Elder Godwin Abumisi, expressed these concerns during a press briefing in Abuja as part of the 2024 Pensioners Day commemoration, lamenting that retirees have yet to receive any support from the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, which is responsible for distributing the relief packages.
The NUP president further highlighted the plight of senior citizens, especially with the current poor state of the economy, emphasising that many pensioners, who dedicated their lives to the development of Nigeria, are now struggling to meet basic needs.
He pointed to the necessity of a more inclusive approach in the distribution of palliatives, suggesting that the union should be engaged to provide accurate data on the elderly population in Nigeria.
Speaking on the theme of year’s Pensioners Day, ‘The Unresolved Economic Hardship in Nigeria and its Traumatic Effects on the Lives of Nigerian Pensioners/Older Persons,’ Abumisi stressed that the removal of fuel subsidy, one of the government’s economic policies, has further compounded the difficulties faced by pensioners.
He noted that many retirees now find it increasingly difficult to afford essential items such as medication and accommodation, making life even harder for those who once contributed so much to the growth of the nation.
Abumisi said: “The primary purpose of observing the annual celebration is for us to come together to review our journey so far and how far our members have fared in the past and how they are currently faring under the ongoing harsh economic conditions, so as to feel their pains and frustrations.”
The annual celebration serves as a platform for reflecting on the progress made in addressing the needs of pensioners and also provides an opportunity for the union to engage directly with the government.
According to Abumisi, one of the core issues being raised this year is the exclusion of pensioners from the government’s approved palliative packages aimed at mitigating the effects of current economic challenges.
Also, the NUP president reiterated the union’s call for inclusion in the palliative distribution framework. He expressed frustration that pensioners, despite being one of the most vulnerable groups in Nigeria, have been overlooked in the distribution of relief materials and cash assistance designed to alleviate economic hardship.
He said: “It is regrettable that pensioners, who fall within the category of the most vulnerable persons in Nigeria, are always left out in the distribution of the approved material and non-material palliative packages by the Federal Government.”
Abumisi further appealed to the Federal Government to collaborate with the NUP and relevant government agencies that handle pension payments to ensure that pensioners are included for in the distribution of palliatives. By leveraging accurate databases maintained by the union and other agencies, Abumisi believes the palliatives can be more effectively distributed to those who need them the most.
“We wish to draw the attention of the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, to expedite action on this directive towards cushioning the biting effect of the economic hardship being experienced by Nigerians,” he said.
Despite the concerns raised, the NUP president commended the Federal Government for its decision to increase the minimum pension to N32,000. He expressed surprise and gratitude on behalf of the union, noting that the government took step without any formal agitation or demands from pensioners.
Following the recent approval of the N70,000 national minimum wage, the Federal Government, through the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission, issued a circular directing that pensioners receive a minimum pension of N32,000 per month.
“We are also appreciative and proud of the Federal Government for directing the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to release another circular approving a N32,000 pension increase arising from the N70,000 new national minimum wage without the usual pressure or demand from the union. This is very unusual and a first of its kind,” Abumisi noted.
The decision has been widely regarded as a positive step towards alleviating some of the financial burdens faced by pensioners. However, the NUP president emphasised that while the increase is a welcome development, more needs to be done to address the overall welfare of pensioners in Nigeria, especially in light of the challenging economic conditions.
Reiterating the commitment of the union to advocating for the rights and welfare of pensioners, Elder Abumisi urged the government to ensure that the promises of palliatives are not left unfulfilled.
He stressed the importance of addressing the immediate needs of pensioners who have contributed significantly to the nation’s progress and who now deserve dignity and care in their later years.
The commemoration of Pensioners Day serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles of Nigeria’s elderly population and a call for urgent action to mitigate the economic challenges they face. The union’s leadership remains hopeful that the government will respond to their demands for more inclusive policies and increased support for pensioners nationwide.
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