Niger State Pensioners Appeal for Improved Benefits and Support
The Niger State Council of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has expressed gratitude to Governor Umar Bago for his administration’s efforts in paying gratuities to senior citizen pensioners.
The appeal was made in a statement by Comrade Abdullahi Baba Sani, Secretary of Niger State NUP, appealing for the resumption of gratuity payments to local government pensioners, who have only received batches one and two, while state pensioners are nearing batch eight
The NUP highlighted the challenges faced by innocent pensioners in Niger State, prompting Governor Bago to order the DG Pension Board to commence gratuity payments.
The union appreciated the prompt action but urged the governor to temper justice with mercy and resume payments to local government pensioners.
The NUP drew attention to the fact that many pensioners in Niger State still receive meager monthly payments of N3,000, N4,000, and N5,000, which fail to cover basic expenses.
The union appealed to Governor Bago to implement the approved N70,000 national minimum wage, citing sections 173 (3) and 210 (3) of the 1999 Constitution, which entitle pensioners to benefit from this increase.
The NUP requested a piece of land to build a Pensioners’ Clinic, providing subsidized healthcare services for minor health issues. Additionally, the union appealed for an 18-seater bus to facilitate transportation for pensioners attending national or interstate events.
While Governor Bago’s administration has demonstrated commitment to pensioners’ welfare, the NUP eagerly awaits his response to their passionate appeal.
The federal government’s approval of the N70,000 national minimum wage has sparked discussions on its implementation.
Some states, like Lagos, have already begun paying the increased wage, while others struggle to meet the current minimum wage requirement
The NUP emphasized the hardships faced by pensioners, citing rising costs of transportation, feeding, healthcare, and housing.
The union urged Governor Bago to prioritize pensioners’ welfare and implement the new minimum wage.
The NUP’s appeal underscores the need for improved benefits and support for Niger State’s senior citizen pensioners
