Minimum wage: FG to release circular for pensioners, workers simultaneously

THE Federal Government has assured pensioners and the leadership of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), that the circular for the implementation of the N30,000 national minimum wage and its consequential adjustments for the workers will be issued simultaneously with that of the Pensioners.

The President, NUP, Dr Abel Afolayan, who was speaking on Tuesday at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Union in Ibadan, Oyo State, said the Acting Chairman, National Salaries, Income and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Mr Ekpo Nta, had assured pensioners that the circular would be issued at the same time.

In his address, Dr Afolayan told the elderly citizens that he led the NUP leadership to meet with the NSIWC chairman on the issue, where he (Mr Nta) gave the assurance.

ALSO READ: 23 million married as children in Nigeria —UNICEF 

He added that if they cannot get their desired minimum pension now, they were sure to get the corresponding pension increment arising from the N30,000 new minimum wage.

The NUP President said: “Distinguished NEC members, today’s event is an epoch-making and a very colourful one. It is coming at the right time when the stakes are very high and ripe. Recall that a few weeks ago, the Federal Government and the Organised Labour finally signed the agreement on minimum wage and the attendant adjustment for all categories of workers. The next in line is the pensioners.

“I know all of you are very agitated to know how far we have gone on this matter, especially when it has become a common knowledge that pensioners are already due for a review since 2015, having last enjoyed a meagre 33.4% increment since July 2010.

“After several attempts, on Thursday 31 October 2019, as many of you might have seen and read in the news media, we were able to sit together at a meeting with the Chairman, Salaries, Income and Wages Commission, Mr Ekpo Nta. The Chairman assured us that the circular tor the wage increase will be issued simultaneously with the workers, having tabled the issues together at the tripartite negotiation meeting where the agreement on Minimum Wage was reached.

“Distinguished NEC members, ladies and gentlemen, one thing I want to assure you today is that we are on top of the situation. We are together with the NLC on this struggle for the Minimum Pension and we were told to wait for the official release of the much-expected circular tor the workers, then we shall pick it up from there. I want to assure you that definitely, there shall be light at the end of the tunnel.

“On this note, I implore you to please take this message of hope to all our pensioners in your respective states. If we could not get the minimum pension this time, one thing is sure, the corresponding pension increment will not elude us.”

On their activities in the last year, he pointed out that the Peace and Reconciliation Committee has been able to resolve the long-standing crisis of Benue State.

Dr Afolayan further stated that the leadership had a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa where issues affecting the pensioners were discussed, adding that they would be having another meeting with the President again, assuring them of good representation whenever the meeting comes up.

Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, who declared the NEC meeting opened said his government had in September 3rd, this year approved the sum of N1.4 billion to be paid to Primary schools teachers and local government workers for their gratuities.

Engr Makinde, who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Prof Daud Sangodoyin. Said: “This NEC meeting call for every one of us to look at the issues and challenges that are facing pensioners in Nigeria and come out with a distinct solution that will see both the Federal Government and state governments in ensuring the welfare of pensioners.

“On September 3rd, the governor has approved N1.4 billion to be paid to Primary schools teachers and local government workers for their gratuities.”

He assured that the pensioners would be taken care of, adding that in the last few months all pensioners in the state have been paid as at when due.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Chris Ngige, said the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, was committed more than ever to continue to make life more meaningful for the Nigerian pensioners and all Nigerians.

The Registrar of Trade Union, Mr A. O Falonipe, advised all trade unions to submit their audited annual financial accounts promptly, adding, “let me use this opportunity to remind you of your statutory responsibilities to the Office of the Registrar of Trade Unions n terms of prompt rendition of your audited annual financial accounts.

“I want the leadership of trade Unions at all levels to note that the check-off deductions from the member’s wages are public funds that are supposed to be accounted for.”