By Yusuf Salihu Sansani, Jalingo
Pensioners in Taraba State have expressed optimism that the long-awaited implementation of the ₦30,000 minimum wage on their monthly pensions will take effect by the end of September 2025.
The assurance was given by the State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), Comrade El-Nathan Bila Auta, while addressing journalists in Jalingo.
He disclosed that necessary preparations have been concluded by relevant stakeholders in the state.
According to Auta, extensive discussions were held between the State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Peter Jediel, and the State Head of Service, Dr. Ahmed Kara, who confirmed the government’s readiness to extend the minimum wage to pensioners.
He lamented that since Taraba State was created in 1991, no administration had implemented the civil service minimum wage for retirees.
He cited the ₦18,000, ₦30,000, and most recently the ₦70,000 wage increases already enjoyed by workers, while many pensioners still receive as little as ₦3,000 monthly.
“I am highly confident that with these recent developments, the state government is set to break the jinx over the plight of pensioners. Governor Dr. Agbu Kefas will go down in history as the first governor to increase pension benefits in the state.
His name will be written in gold in the hearts of over 40,000 pensioners and their families,” Auta declared.
He appealed to the governor to implement the ₦30,000 minimum wage with arrears dating back to January, as earlier promised, while also fast-tracking the extension of the new ₦70,000 minimum wage to pensioners, in order to give retirees a sense of belonging and relief from economic hardship.
The NUP Chairman urged pensioners to remain calm and prayerful as they await the implementation, while also advising them to spend the increase prudently when it comes into effect.
Auta further called on Governor Kefas to redeem his pledge of releasing ₦2 billion monthly to offset the backlog of gratuities, which has accumulated to about ₦80 billion.
He stressed that clearing the arrears would enable vulnerable retirees to access proper medical care and support their families, noting that many pensioners have died prematurely due to financial hardship and lack of access to healthcare.
