The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) has called on the Federal Government to ensure the inclusion of pensioners in the fuel subsidy removal palliatives’ arrangement.
The senior citizens warned that excluding any retiree in the plan for palliative provision will be an act of wickedness against “the most vulnerable group in the country.”
The NUP urged both the federal and state governments to recall the sacrifices of its members while in active service and the rising cost of accessing healthcare services.
The pensioners’ union also demanded the commencement of an upward review of pensions in line with the ongoing workers’ salaries increase.
The National President of the union, Mazi Godwin Abumisi and General Secretary, Elder Actor Zal, said, “Because of the severe hardship Nigerians are experiencing right now due to certain economic realities, we are geared to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that pensioners’ welfare are given priority.
“We know that the current administration has already proiritised our welfare and is determined not to leave pensioners behind in its quest to provide the dividend of democracy. However, we mean to remind the federal and state governments that it is constitutionally required that pension be reviewed alongside workers’ salaries.
“Our anticipation is already high and we are eager to hear the good news of upward review of our pensions. We do not expect the government to treat us as second hand citizens by refusing to review pensions alongside workers’ salaries.
“Currently, the level of vulnerability of the retired old men and women Nigeria cannot be overemphasised. Sickness and economic hardship take tolls on us and our hope of staying alive is on the government doing the right thing.
“Therefore, we call on President Bola Tinubu and all the 36 state governors to place premium on welfare and wellbeing in the ongoing plans for palliatives and review of salaries. This mean that pensions’ review should be at the centre stage of the actions.
“We appreciate the Federal Government’s steadfastness in payment of month pensions and arrears. We equally appreciate PTAD for carrying out satisfactorily the role government gave it by ensuring that pension administration in Nigeria is progressively better. We urge the directorate to do more.”
“However, we asked the state governors to put a human face in discharging their duties especially in regards to payment of pensions. Treat pensioners with dignity and respect by paying their pensions duly and promptly.
YOU SHOULD NOT MISS THESE HEADLINES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
Full text: See Obi’s written address to Tinubu
Labour Party legal team, led by Livy Uzoukwu (SAN), on Thursday, filed their final written address in response to…
46-year-old Nigerian ‘mysteriously’ dies in Scotland
Security and health experts in Glasgow, Scotland are battling to unravel the mystery surrounding the sudden death of…
Nigerian billionaire businessman Tony Elumelu invited Wizkid as he organises a ‘sip and paint’ to celebrate his…
Subsidy: 10 ways to reduce fuel consumption
Amidst the early days of President Bola Tinubu’s administration in Nigeria, the nation has been grappling with a staggering increase in…
Messi scores on debut as Inter Miami wins league cup match
Argentine Superstar Lionel Messi scored on his debut for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami as they secured a victory over…
RECENTLY, Nigeria has been facing an unprecedented scourge of diphtheria, and so soon after the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic. It has been found in…
