Dons Eze
NATIONAL UNION OF PENSIONERS LAUDS TINUBU OVER 20% INCREASE IN BASIC PENSIONS
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has expressed its appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his steadfast dedication to enhancing the welfare of pensioners nationwide.
In a statement issued by its National President, Comrade Godwin Abumisi, the union acknowledged the President’s efforts in implementing important measures aimed at easing the economic difficulties faced by retirees under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS)
The union pointed out two significant accomplishments of the administration: the recent approval of a 20% pension increase for DBS pensioners and the establishment of a minimum pension of ₦32,000.
According to the NUP, these initiatives demonstrate President Tinubu’s “commitment to ensuring that pensioners are supported and their rights upheld and promoted.
The 20% pension increase, which is back dated to January 2024, has already been disbursed to many DBS pensioners, while the minimum pension of ₦32,000, approved in July 2024, has also reached numerous beneficiaries. Comrade Abumisi remarked, “This is the first time pensioners have received any pension increase without protests. We commend you, Mr. President.
The NUP also conveyed its gratitude to the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) and its new Executive Secretary, Tolulope Odunaiya, for facilitating the timely distribution of the pension increments. The union acknowledged Odunaiya’s commitment, stating,
“We are thankful for her assurance that the 20% pension increase will be disbursed before the end of December 2024 and for her diligent execution of President Tinubu’s policies regarding pensioners’ welfare.
”We appreciate her promise to ensure that the 20% pension increase is paid before the end of December 2024 and her strict implementation of President Tinubu’s policy direction on pensioners’ welfare.”
However, the union raised concerns over discrepancies in the payment process. Despite progress, not all pensioners have received their entitlements. “As of today, the 20% pension increment arrears have not been fully paid to all DBS pensioners. Furthermore, 70% of pensioners are yet to receive the ₦32,000 minimum pension,” the statement revealed.
The NUP called on PTAD to address these discrepancies promptly, urging the agency to review its records and rectify any errors in the payment process. “We demand that PTAD pay serious attention to ensuring no DBS pensioner is omitted or deprived of their rights in the name of system failure or man-made error in the payment processes,” the union emphasized.
Despite these challenges, the union remained optimistic about the administration’s commitment to pensioners. They reiterated their gratitude to President Tinubu, describing the reforms as a significant step forward.
“We are grateful for the 20% pension increase and the ₦32,000 pension award that is today a minimum pension,” the statement added.
The NUP emphasized the significance of these reforms in improving the quality of life for retirees, particularly during challenging economic times.
“The approval of these measures is a testament to the government’s understanding of the economic realities facing pensioners and its determination to provide relief,” the union noted.
As the administration continues its efforts to support pensioners, the NUP urged all stakeholders to work collaboratively to address the remaining issues. They expressed hope that ongoing reforms would ensure a brighter future for all retirees in Nigeria.
The union concluded with a heartfelt message to the President:
“We appreciate your love and commitment to pensioners. Your actions have given us hope, and we look forward to seeing all pensioners benefit from these life-changing reforms.”
