NUP president lauds Tinubu for releasing N758bn to clear pension backlog

The National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Mazi Godwin Ikechukwu Abumisi, has commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for the release of a bond worth N758 billion to the National Pension Commission to offset the backlog of unpaid accrued rights of contributory pensioners.

Abumisi also made a passionate appeal to President Tinubu to address the dire and neglected condition of the defunct Nigeria Airways pensioners, who have been overlooked for over 21 years since the liquidation of Nigeria Airways in 2004.

In addition, the union urged President Tinubu to immediately direct the Honourable Minister of Finance to release funds to the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA) to commence payment of pensioners’ hard-earned legitimate entitlements, which have been denied them for years.

Abumisi gave the commendation during the 12th Quadrennial National Delegates Conference of the union, held at the Coronation Hall on Tuesday in Kano.

According to him, “The release of the enabling circular for a 20% pension increase and the payment of the minimum pension of N32,000 in August last year is commendable.”

He added, “We appeal to the President, however, to release sufficient funds to PTAD to commence implementation of payments immediately and settle the 10 months of outstanding arrears.”

Abumisi expressed his appreciation to the Kano State Governor, Abba Yusuf, for approving the release of N100 million for hosting the conference, along with several other logistical provisions that ensured its success.

He noted that the governor provided adequate and effective security, accommodation, feeding, and transportation for all delegates, making them feel at home in Kano.

“I must openly admit here that he deserves our appreciation and commendation,” Abumisi said.

He also lauded the efforts of the Governor of Niger State, Hon. (Dr.) Muhammed Umaru Bago, who paid accrued pension arrears and gratuities totalling over N20 billion for state and local government pensioners.

“We cannot keep quiet when we see good things happening around us. Governor Mohammed Bago is so passionate about pensioners in Niger State that all pensioners in Niger State today are being regarded as Bago pensioners,” he remarked.

Meanwhile, at the occasion, Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, Niger State Governor Mohammed Umaru Bago, and Jigawa State Governor Umar Namadi were conferred with the special award of Pensioners-Friendly Governors by the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP).

The award, presented at the Coronation Hall, Government House, Kano, recognised the governors’ contributions to the welfare of pensioners in their respective states.

In his remarks, Governor Bago expressed gratitude for the award, stating that it would boost his morale to do more for pensioners.

He announced plans to establish a farm specifically for pensioners, enabling them to participate in modern farming and sustain their livelihoods.

He explained that the initiative aligned with his administration’s efforts to enhance agricultural productivity in Niger State.

The governor highlighted that the state had been actively promoting agricultural development, including distributing tractors and implementing empowerment programmes for youths and women.

Governor Bago pledged a donation of N100 million to the union and thanked Governor Yusuf for hosting the conference.

Governor Yusuf, represented by his Deputy, Comrade Abdulsalam Gwarzo, welcomed delegates and highlighted his administration’s commitment to enhancing the lives of pensioners.

He disclosed that his administration had so far settled retirement benefits worth over N16 billion, addressing challenges faced by retirees in accessing their entitlements.

ALSO READ FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE