From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) have expressed frustration and distress over the severe economic challenges faced by retirees and other vulnerable Nigerians and urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene.
In a statement signed by its National President, Godwin Abumisi and General Secretary, Elder Actor Zal, the union condemned the Federal Government’s handling of fuel price hikes, arguing that the subsidy removal has led to hyperinflation, driving up the cost of goods and services and disproportionately affecting pensioners who are already struggling with meager pensions.
The NUP leaders lamented that the government’s decision to further increase fuel prices, despite previous protests and widespread criticism, reflects a troubling level of insensitivity and disregard for the plight of ordinary Nigerians.
They criticised the administration’s lack of responsiveness to the economic suffering of pensioners and other low-income groups.
The union also expressed disappointment over the government’s failure to deliver on promises of N25,000 palliatives and six months’ wage awards for workers and pensioners.
The absence of these promised supports, the retirees argued, has worsened the financial strain on pensioners.
In response to the ongoing economic crisis, the NUP proposed that the government adjust pension emoluments in line with the new minimum wage of N70,000.
It also suggested that pension increases should match the percentage rise in the minimum wage to ensure fairness and help pensioners cope with the rising cost of living.
“Finally, the Nigerian pensioners wish to express their disappointment with what is happening in the country today in a nation that prides itself as Giant of Africa and in negation of its national anthem which says “the labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain. As far as the pensioners’ union is concerned, the labour of our heroes past and present is perpetually in vain, no thanks to their neglect over decades by the previous and present government.
“This is the reason why our union has always canvassed for its involvement in the distribution of palliatives/disbursement of any social intervention funds for its members, as well as appointment of its leaders to head all pension-related organizations/agencies for equitable and prudent management of their affairs in line with the wise saying that, it is “he who wears the shoes that knows where it pinches,” the statement read in part.
