By Abdullahi Alhassan, Kaduna
The Forum of Retirees from the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory has called on state governors to immediately implement the approved N32,000 pension increase and consequential adjustments to reduce the growing economic hardship faced by pensioners across the country.
The Forum also condemned the alleged registration of a parallel body known as the “Association of State Retirees of Nigeria” by the Registrar of Trade Unions, describing the move as unconstitutional and capable of creating division among pensioners.
Rising from a meeting held in Kaduna, the retirees urged the national leadership of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners to seek legal redress against what they described as a violation of constitutional and labour provisions guiding pensioners’ welfare associations.
The Forum further advised state councils of the union to strengthen their administrative structures and ensure inclusive leadership in order to maintain unity and stability among members.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, Chairman of the Nasarawa State chapter of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Hudu Baba Abdullahi, expressed concern over the failure of some state governments to implement the approved pension increase.
According to him, pension increment remains a constitutional right backed by Section 210(3) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, stressing that all state governments must comply without delay.
He said the implementation of the adjustment would provide much-needed relief for retirees struggling with rising living costs and economic difficulties.
The Forum also appealed to governors to prioritise the payment of gratuities and death benefits owed to pensioners and their families.
While commending states that have consistently paid retirees’ entitlements, the Forum urged defaulting governments to clear outstanding obligations to enable pensioners enjoy a dignified retirement after years of dedicated service.
Also speaking, Comrade Alhassan Balarabe Musa, Secretary of the United Trade Union and Kaduna State chapter, lamented the worsening plight of pensioners, especially in states where retirees receive extremely low monthly pensions.
He explained that the meeting was convened partly to sensitise pensioners on the implications of the emergence of the newly registered association.
According to Musa, although freedom of association is guaranteed by law, the Nigerian Union of Pensioners remains the legally recognised platform mandated to protect the welfare and interests of retirees nationwide.
Participants at the meeting also deliberated extensively on the implementation of the N32,000 pension increase approved through a circular issued by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission.
Musa disclosed that in Kaduna State, a pensioner currently receiving N32,000 monthly would earn about N62,000 if the approved adjustment is fully implemented.
He therefore urged governors across the federation to comply with the directive to cushion the effects of economic hardship on senior citizens.
The union equally raised concern over the backlog of unpaid pensions and gratuities in several northern states.
Musa noted that some retirees reportedly receive as little as N1,950 monthly in Benue State, N3,500 in Zamfara State and Sokoto State, while pensioners in Katsina State and parts of Kaduna receive between N3,000 and N5,000 monthly.
He however observed that pensioners in Kano State and Jigawa State receive relatively higher monthly pensions ranging from N12,000 to N20,000.
Comrade Musa appealed to governors to treat pensioners with fairness and dignity, noting that many retirees devoted over three decades of service to national development.
He warned that neglecting pensioners after retirement undermines the sacrifices they made while in active service.
The meeting ended with a renewed commitment by members of the Forum to sustain advocacy efforts aimed at improving the welfare, rights, and living conditions of pensioners across northern Nigeria and the Federal Capital Territory.
