The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to intervene by urging state governors to settle outstanding pension increase arrears owed to retirees at the state level.
The appeal comes as the union acknowledged ongoing federal efforts to improve pensioners’ welfare, noting that many retirees under state governments have yet to benefit from similar reforms.
In a statement issued by its National President, Comrade Elder Godwin Abumisi, the NUP made the appeal while celebrating President Tinubu on his 74th birthday, praising his leadership and commitment to pensioners.
He said: “The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) heartily congratulates His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on the auspicious occasion of his 74th birthday.
“This milestone is not only a celebration of age but of purposeful leadership, courage, and steadfast commitment to repositioning Nigeria at a critical time in its history.”
According to the union, pensioners nationwide were celebrating the President in recognition of reforms that have enhanced their welfare and restored dignity to retirees.
Among the key measures highlighted was the approval of a ₦32,000 monthly pension increase, which the union described as a significant relief given current economic realities.
It said the increase was “a bold and compassionate decision that has brought much-needed relief to retirees grappling with rising living costs,” adding that it has rekindled hope among pensioners nationwide.
The NUP also commended the Federal Government’s approval of about ₦700 billion to offset liabilities under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS), alongside ₦57 billion for pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS), noting that the move is helping to clear longstanding arrears.
“This landmark intervention is addressing the backlog of accrued rights owed to CPS retirees, many of whom had endured years of uncertainty and hardship after meritorious service to the nation.”
The union further acknowledged progress in settling arrears owed to pensioners, particularly those in government parastatals under the Defined Benefit Scheme, describing it as a step that has helped rebuild trust in government commitments.
It also praised the consistent payment of monthly pensions and the government’s responsiveness in resolving delays.
“We further commend the sustained prompt payment of monthly pensions, as well as your timely intervention in resolving delays, which demonstrated responsive and people-centered leadership,” the statement added.
In addition, the NUP noted that the approval for the payment of gratuities to retired workers represents another important step toward improving pensioners’ welfare.
Despite these gains, the union stressed that many state pensioners remain excluded from the reforms, underscoring the need for presidential intervention.
“We respectfully urge Your Excellency to use your good offices to prevail on State Governors to fully implement all approved pension increases for state pensioners, so that retirees at the subnational level can equally benefit from these reforms.”
The union also renewed its call for the swift implementation of a health insurance scheme for pensioners.
“We also reiterate that the proposed Health Insurance Scheme for Pensioners remains a critical expectation. We are hopeful that its approval and the release of funds for implementation will be expedited in no distant time.
“Mr. President, NUP wishes you good health, strength, and wisdom to sustain policies that will promote economic growth, national development, and the security of lives and property across the country.”
