Reps ask Ministers to appear in plenary over N459 billion pension debt

The House of Representatives on Thursday resolved to summon the Minister of Budget and Planning, Senator Udo Udoma and Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun to appear before the House in plenary, on April 6 over liabilities of about N459 billion to the pensioners.

The Ministers are to brief the House on measures being taken by the Executive arm of the Federal Government to address the serious challenges facing Nigerian pensioners with a view to ending the embarrassing situation.

The House resolution followed a motion sponsored by Hon. Hassan Shekarau and five others, on the need to look into the challenges facing Nigeria pensioners.

According to him, the challenges being faced by the pensioners cut across both the Contributory Pension Scheme, CPS and Defined Benefit Scheme, DBS.

He noted that, “the total liabilities of both the CPS of about N285 billion and that of DBS of about N174 billion which accumulated over the years is worrisome.”

Continuing, he said that, “Section 173 sub section 1 and 2 of the 1999 constitution as amended, provides that pension is a right of every Nigerian worker without prejudice, stressing that, it behoves on the federal government to respect and fulfil the constitutional provision.”

Most of the lawmakers who spoke on the motion were of the opinion that, the pensioners should not be allowed to face unnecessary hardship in getting their pensions as at when due.

The lawmakers also advised those in charge of pension affairs to be humane in the way they attend to the senior citizens, who they said should be treated with respect.

The motion was passed when the Speaker, Hon. Yakubu Dogara put the motion to vote.