Pensioners back Bindawa, hail Tinubu for ‘competent’ NSIWC choice

The Federal Parastatals and Private Sector Pensioners’ Association of Nigeria (FEPPPAN) has expressed confidence in the ability of the newly appointed chairman of the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission (NSIWC), Major General Junaid Bindawa (rtd), to provide effective leadership and advance the welfare of workers and pensioners.

The association also commended President Bola Tinubu for what it described as the appointment of a competent and capable person to head the commission, saying Bindawa’s pedigree, discipline and experience would be valuable in delivering on the mandate of the NSIWC.

In a congratulatory letter signed by its president general, Elder Benjamin Amako, and deputy general secretary, Abubakar Usman, FEPPPAN said it was confident that Bindawa’s appointment would usher in renewed attention to issues affecting pensioners and workers.

The association described the NSIWC as the “heartbeat” of workers’ and pensioners’ welfare, stressing that effective leadership of the commission was critical to protecting the interests of both groups.

FEPPPAN particularly urged the new chairman to prioritise pensioners in the implementation of the three-yearly review of pensions and wages, saying senior citizens should not be left behind in government’s wage and income policies.

The pensioners reminded Bindawa that the NSIWC has statutory responsibilities covering both workers and pensioners, particularly the periodic review of pensions and wages.

“The 1999 Constitution in Section 173(3), as amended, empowers you to review the pensions of both public and private sector pensioners along with the wages of workers,” it stated.

The association also noted that President Tinubu had, in 2024, reduced the periodic review of pensions and wages from five years to three years, describing the decision as an important policy development that should be effectively implemented.

It urged Bindawa to use the new review framework to address the welfare concerns of pensioners, particularly in the face of changing economic realities.

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“We have confidence in your pedigree, discipline and capacity, and hope that you will extend your kind good gesture to the senior citizens of this great country in the three-yearly reviews of pensions and wages,” it stated.

FEPPPAN further drew the attention of the new NSIWC chairman to the three pension unions registered and recognised by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The unions, according to the association, are FEPPPAN, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), and the Contributory Pensioners Union of Nigeria (CPUN).

The association urged Bindawa to adopt an inclusive approach in the discharge of his responsibilities and ensure that the concerns of pensioners and workers were adequately reflected in decisions on wages, pensions and incomes.

FEPPPAN expressed optimism that the appointment would strengthen the capacity of the NSIWC to deliver on its mandate, while reiterating its appreciation to President Tinubu for selecting what it described as a competent person to lead the commission.

It prayed for divine guidance, protection and wisdom for Bindawa throughout his tenure, expressing confidence that his leadership would bring greater attention to the welfare of Nigeria’s workers and pensioners.

“Once again, please accept our sincere congratulations and the warm regards of our President General,” the association concluded.