The House of Representatives said it will establish an ad hoc committee to probe the delayed implementation of the ₦25,000 wage award and ₦32,000 palliative approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Nigerian pensioners nearly two years ago.
This is part of the deliberation that took place during a plenary session, following a motion moved by Deputy Chief Whip, Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka.
He highlighted the prolonged non-payment of the presidentially approved support packages, which has caused significant hardship and discontent among pensioners. The House expressed concern over the situation and called for urgent action to address it.
The lawmakers directed the Ministry of Labour and Employment, along with the National Pension Commission (PenCom), to conduct a comprehensive audit of pension payments nationwide. This audit aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the disbursement process, addressing the challenges faced by pensioners.
The House also urged state governments to prioritize pension payments and welfare programmes for retirees in their respective states, following the Federal Government’s example. This call emphasizes the need for a unified approach to supporting pensioners across the country.
Furthermore, the House called on the Federal Ministries of Finance, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as the Accountant General of the Federation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), and other relevant agencies to implement all approved pension increases without further delay.
The lawmakers emphasized the importance of releasing all pending palliative measures meant for pensioners and ensuring prompt disbursement to alleviate their hardship. This move aims to provide immediate relief to pensioners who have been struggling due to the delayed payments.
The House appealed to the Nigerian Pensioners’ Association and other stakeholders to work closely with government agencies. This collaboration would help advocate for and monitor the enforcement of pensioners’ rights and welfare, ensuring that their needs are met.
Moving the motion, Ayokunle acknowledged the vital contributions made by Nigerian pensioners in nation-building and the development of Nigeria. He expressed concern that despite President Tinubu’s approval of the wage award and pension increase in October 2023, most pensioners are still facing challenges, including non-payment of government pension increments and withholding of essential palliative measures.
He said, “The provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) emphasise social justice, dignity of the human person, and the obligation of the state to ensure the welfare of its citizens.
“The non-implementation of approved pension increments and withholding of palliative measures undermine the constitutional principles and threaten social stability.
“Numerous appeals and petitions from pensioners and relevant associations have gone unheeded, leading to increased hardship and discontent among Pensioners”.
He said there was an urgent need to address these challenges and uphold the dignity and welfare of Nigerian senior citizens (Pensioners).
The establishment of the ad hoc committee and the directives issued by the House aim to ensure that pensioners receive the support they deserve. By prioritizing pension payments and welfare programmes, the government can help alleviate the hardship faced by pensioners and promote social stability.
