Niger State NUP Demands Pensioners’ Inclusion In FG’s Subsidy Palliatives
The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), Niger state council has called on the Federal government and Niger state government to ensure that all pensioners in Nigeria and Niger State are not left out in the fuel subsidy removal palliatives’
This was contained in a Press release signed by the state Secretary of union, Comrade Abdullahi Baba Sani and made available to Journalists in minna recently.
The Secretary advised that excluding a single retiree in the plan for palliative provision will be an act of wickedness against the most vulnerable group in the state.
Comrade Abdullahi Baba said that both the Federal and State governments do need a flashback moment to remember the sacrifices Senior Citizens made to get the country where it is today, or be told the prevalent health issues and how difficult it has been for them to pay for the high cost of healthcare services.therefore their interest must be prioritized in the plans for the provision of palliatives.
He stressed that the Nigeria Union of Pensioners NUP in stronger terms demand that government should commence upward review of pensions in pari-passu with the ongoing workers’ salaries increase, adding that pensioners will accept nothing less.
According to him Pensioners’ union is aware that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led Federal government has already prioritized pensioners’ welfare,however, the union urges the President to ensure that pensioners are not short-changed for any reason in all his efforts to provide dividend of democracy to Nigerians.
“Because of the severe hardship Nigerians are experiencing right now due to certain economic realities, we are geared to leave no stone unturned in ensuring that pensioners’ welfare are given utmost priority. We know that the current administration has already prioritized our welfare and is determined not to leave pensioners behind in its quest to provide dividend of democracy.
However, we need to remind the Federal and State governments that it is constitutionally required that pension be reviewed alongside workers’ salaries increase.
“Our anticipation is already high and we are eager to hear the good news of upward review of our pensions,We do not expect the government to treat us as second-hand citizens by refusing to review pensions alongside workers’ salaries.
“Currently, the level of vulnerability of the retired old men and women Nigeria cannot be over-emphasised. Sickness and economic hardship take tolls on Pensioners,hence the call on the State government to ensure that their welfare is enhanced
“We appreciate the Niger State government’s steadfastness in payment of monthly pensions and arrears.
