Pensioners across Nigeria are still awaiting relief from state governments, despite the federal government's efforts to improve their welfare. Many pensioners at the subnational level have yet to benefit from pension increases and debt clearance, which has been a major focus of the federal government. In a statement, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) urged President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prevail upon state governors to clear pension arrears owed to pensioners in the states.
The NUP noted that the federal government has made significant strides in improving the welfare of retirees, including the approval of a ₦32,000 monthly pension increase and the release of ₦700 billion to clear outstanding liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). The union also commended the federal government's responsiveness in addressing delays in pension payments and its commitment to settling arrears owed to pensioners in government parastatals under the Defined Benefit Scheme.
However, the NUP stressed that many state pensioners have been left behind, and the union is urging President Tinubu to use his good offices to prevail upon state governors to fully implement approved pension increases for state pensioners.
President Tinubu must now take concrete steps to ensure that state governors prioritize the welfare of pensioners. The proposed health insurance scheme for pensioners remains a critical expectation, and its approval and implementation should be expedited. The President's leadership on this issue will be put to the test as he navigates the complex web of state and federal relationships. The economic impact of delayed pension payments on retirees and their families cannot be overstated, and the President must prioritize their welfare in his interactions with state governors.
