NITEL/MTEL pensioners task FG on release of 35-month pension arrears

Pensioners of the defunct Nigerian Telecommunications Limited (NITEL) and its mobile arm, MTEL, have called on the Federal Government to quickly release funds for the payment of outstanding pension arrears and approved increases, lamenting prolonged delays despite official approvals.

Speaking in Abuja at the opening of the National Delegates Conference of the NITEL/MTEL Pensioners Association,  acting president, Prince Ikenna Oblanagha, said while the government has remained consistent with monthly pension payments, retirees are still owed 35 months of pension arrears.

He explained that the backlog, popularly referred to as “Code 35″, has been captured in the 2026 budget, but is yet to be disbursed to beneficiaries.

“Approval does not translate to money in the pockets of pensioners,” Oblanagha said, stressing the need for immediate fund release by the Federal Ministry of Finance and the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation.

The pensioners also raised concerns over unpaid consequential pension increases dating back to 2015 and 2020, as well as the newly approved 20.55 per cent pension increment for 2025, which has yet to be implemented.

According to the association, persistent engagement with key agencies, including the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), has yielded partial progress, with the release of funds for 50 per cent payment of the 10.66 per cent and 12.95 per cent pension increases.

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However, the acting president noted that several entitlements remain outstanding, including issues related to omitted names on the PTAD payroll and cases of short payments.

Oblanagha further disclosed that pensioners were recently informed that they may not benefit from the N32,000 minimum wage increase, despite ongoing adjustments in other sectors.

He added that the association, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) and other parastatal pension groups, has intensified advocacy efforts to ensure full settlement of all arrears.

Oblanagha acknowledged PTAD’s introduction of a free healthcare programme for pensioners, expressing optimism that the initiative would be fully implemented soon.

Also speaking, secretary of the association, Comrade Emmanuel Adu, said the delay in payment of arrears has taken a heavy toll on members, many of whom are elderly and vulnerable.

According to him, a significant number of pensioners are between 80 and 90 years old, making timely access to their entitlements critical for survival.

He appealed to the government to urgently release the funds, noting that most retirees rely on the pensions to cater for basic needs, including medication.

Adu stressed that the rising cost of essential drugs, particularly for managing conditions such as high blood pressure, has further compounded the hardship faced by members who must take their medications regularly.

In his address, President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) commended President Bola Tinubu for his approach in addressing the plight of pensioners in the country.