We face death on daily basis yet receive N5, 000 monthly – Ogun pensioners cry out

Members of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), in Ogun State, have called on Governor Dapo Abiodun to implement the Consequential Adjustment in Pensions of retirees as approved by President Muhammadu Buhari under the benefits scheme since April 18, 2019.

The pensioners say avoidable deaths are being recorded among retirees daily because of their poor pension allowances, alleging that some pensioners still earn as low as N5, 000 monthly, a paltry sum, not enough to feed them.

Speaking on Monday at an event marking the 2021 Pensions Day at the NUP secretariat, Waheed Oloyede, asked Gov Abiodun to increase to N1 billion monthly, the monies released to offset unpaid gratuities.

This, Oloyede said, would “reduce the anxiety of the expectant pensioners at the possibility of collecting the money before death comes knocking.

He, however, said the union appreciates the government for the release of quarterly payments throughout the year 2021.”

Oloyede further requested the implementation of the provisions of the Federal Government Circular on 33.4% increase in pension, as issued in 2010.

“The meagre pension of Five Thousand Naira (N5, 000.00) minimum pension being paid is grossly inadequate to meet with the present economic demands.

“We again request for the refund of the unremitted Contributory Pension Deductions to retirees. These had accrued to over 150 months of unremitted deductions to the various PFAs.

“We finally make a request for the resuscitation of the suspended Bureau of State Pensions Committee and the Bureau of Local Government Pensions by the last administration. These are legal committees backed up by the Federal and State Laws,” he said.

The pensioners maintained that “many of our members are presently handicapped and incapacitated with different health challenges requiring immediate medical attention that will gulp much money and the children that could have been of valuable assistance are not gainfully employed.

“Feeding to many of us is becoming elusive as the meagre pension received cannot meet with the ever-soaring inflationary trend.

“Avoidable deaths are recorded on our members on a daily basis. Your Excellency, we passionately plead that you kindly ensure that our demands be met. Our amiable Governor, once again, we express profound gratitude for the opportunity granted us at a meeting with you. We are of the firm belief that our requests will be favourably attended to.”