Kano: 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, made this announcement at the 12th Quadrennial National Delegates’ Conference of the union, hosted by the Kano State Government.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Abumisi applauded the President for releasing N758 billion to clear backlogs of accrued rights of pensioners, approving a 20 percent pension increase, and implementing a N32,000 minimum pension. He described these actions as commendable milestones towards improving the welfare of pensioners in the country.
Abumisi further appealed to the President to release sufficient funds to the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to commence immediate implementation and settle the 10 months of outstanding arrears. He also highlighted the plight of pensioners from the defunct Nigeria Airways, who have faced neglect since the airline’s liquidation in 2004. Despite a partial payment of N45 billion by the previous administration, a balance of N36 billion remains unpaid. He called for funds to be released through the Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA) to settle these entitlements.
The NUP president commended stakeholders, including state governors, the National Assembly, PENCOM, PTAD, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment, for their roles in sustaining pension reforms over the past four years. He also expressed gratitude to Gov. Abba Kabir-Yusuf for supporting the association and pensioners in the state, noting the payment of accumulated gratuity arrears amounting to N16 billion in less than two years in office. This achievement earned him the ‘Outstanding Pensioner-Friendly Governor’ Award in 2024.
Abumisi encouraged all delegates to explore and enjoy the serenity of the ancient city of Kano. Furthermore, the NUP conferred the ‘Pensioners-Friendly Governor’ Award on Gov. Muhammad Bago of Niger, which he personally received. The conference was attended by delegates from across the 36 states of the federation and the FCT.
