Nigeria Union of Pensioners Commends President Tinubu

Introduction to the Commendation

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has commended President Bola Tinubu over his recent strides to transform pension administration in the country. The National President of the union, Mr Godwin Abumisi, said this at the 12th Quadrennial National Delegates’ Conference of the union, in Kano. The conference was being hosted by the Kano State Government.

Reasons for the Commendation

Abumisi applauded the President over the release of N758 billion, to clear backlogs of accrued rights of pensioners, approval of 20 per cent pension increase and the implementation of N32,000 minimum pension. He described the gesture as “commendable milestones” towards improving the welfare of pensioners in the country.

Appeal for Further Action

“We appeal to the President to release enough funds to the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), to commence implementation immediately and settle the 10 months outstanding arrears,” he said. The NUP president also drew the attention of the Federal Government to the plight of pensioners of the defunct Nigeria Airways, lamenting that they had suffered neglect since the liquidation of the airline in 2004.

Plight of Nigeria Airways Pensioners

“Despite a partial payment of N45 billion by the previous administration, a balance of N36 billion remains unpaid,” he said, and called for the release of funds through the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA), to settle the entitlements.

Appreciation for Stakeholders’ Roles

He commended stakeholders for their roles in sustaining pension reforms over the past four years, including state governors, the National Assembly, PENCOM, PTAD, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment. Abumisi also thanked Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf for his support to the association and pensioners in the state. “Having paid accumulated gratuity arrears amounting to N16 billion in less than two years in office, which formed the basis for conferring on him the ‘Outstanding Pensioner-Friendly Governor’ Award in 2024.

Conference and Awards

“I implore all delegates to explore and enjoy the serenity of the ancient city of Kano,” he said. NUP also conferred the ‘Pensioners-Friendly Governor’ Award on Gov. Muhammad Bago of Niger, which he personally received. The conference was being attended by delegates from across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners has expressed its gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his efforts to improve pension administration in the country. The union has also appealed for further action to address the outstanding arrears and the plight of pensioners of the defunct Nigeria Airways. The conference provided a platform for stakeholders to come together and discuss ways to improve the welfare of pensioners in the country.

FAQs

• Q: What was the occasion where the NUP commended President Tinubu?
  A: The occasion was the 12th Quadrennial National Delegates’ Conference of the NUP, held in Kano.
• Q: What were the commendable milestones achieved by President Tinubu?
  A: The release of N758 billion to clear backlogs of accrued rights of pensioners, approval of 20 per cent pension increase, and the implementation of N32,000 minimum pension.
• Q: What is the plight of Nigeria Airways pensioners?
  A: Despite a partial payment of N45 billion, a balance of N36 billion remains unpaid, and they have suffered neglect since the liquidation of the airline in 2004.
• Q: Which governors were conferred with awards by the NUP?
  A: Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf and Gov. Muhammad Bago of Niger were conferred with awards for their support to pensioners in their states.

Source: nannews.ng