The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has commended President Bola Tinubu for recent measures aimed at overhauling pension administration in Nigeria.
Speaking at the union’s 12th Quadrennial National Delegates’ Conference held on Tuesday in Kano, the NUP National President, Mr Godwin Abumisi, praised Tinubu for releasing ₦758 billion to clear accrued pension rights, approving a 20 per cent pension increase, and implementing a ₦32,000 minimum pension.
Abumisi described these as “commendable milestones” that demonstrate the President’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens.
He urged the Federal Government to provide sufficient funds to the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to enable immediate implementation and clear the outstanding ten months of arrears.
Abumisi also drew attention to the lingering plight of pensioners of the defunct Nigeria Airways, noting that despite a partial payment of ₦45 billion by the previous administration, a balance of ₦36 billion remains unpaid. He called for the release of the outstanding sum through the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA).
The union president also acknowledged the contributions of stakeholders – including governors, the National Assembly, PENCOM, PTAD, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment – for their roles in advancing pension reform.
He particularly lauded Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf for paying over ₦16 billion in accumulated gratuity arrears within two years. This earned him the ‘Outstanding Pensioner-Friendly Governor’ Award for 2024.
The NUP also conferred a ‘Pensioners-Friendly Governor’ award on Niger State Governor Muhammad Bago, who was present to receive it.
