Nineteen Northern Pensioners Forum Condemns Illegal Union Registration and Calls for N32,000 Pension Increase
From Our Correspondent
The Forum of Retirees from the 19 Northern States and the Federal Capital Territory has criticized the registration of a rival pensioners’ organization, calling it unconstitutional and a threat to the unity of retired public servants.
At its meeting held at the Epitome Hotel, Barnawa, Kaduna State, the Forum, in a communique released after the meeting, urged the national leadership of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) to pursue legal action against the move, which it considers a breach of constitutional provisions.
It also encouraged state chapters to improve internal management and promote inclusiveness to prevent divisions among members.
Speaking to journalists, Hudu Baba Abdullahi, Chairman of the Nassarawa State Chapter of NUP, who serves as Chairman of the communique drafting committee, and the forum communique drafting Secretary Abdullahi Baba Sani, who is also the State Secretary of NUP Niger State Council, said the Forum was concerned that many states have yet to implement the N32,000 pension increase and its subsequent adjustment.
He pointed out that pension increments are guaranteed under Section 210(3) of the 1999 Constitution, as amended. He called on states that have not yet complied to act quickly to help retirees cope with economic hardships.
Regarding gratuity and death benefits, the Forum praised states that have maintained regular payments to retirees while urging others to clear outstanding entitlements.
“We appeal to those yet to pay to do so in the name of God so that our senior citizens can enjoy peace after years of service,” Abdullahi stated.
The Forum also urges President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to prioritize the payment of federal retirees’ pensions, adding that they are facing serious hardship.
Comrade Alhassan Balarabe Musa, Secretary of the United Trade Union and the Kaduna State Chapter, also expressed concern about pensioners’ welfare, citing the emergence of a parallel association and ongoing delays in pension and gratuity payments.
He explained that the meeting was convened to raise members’ awareness of the registration of the “Association of State Retirees of Nigeria.” While recognizing Nigerians’ right to association, he emphasized that only a union authorized by law can properly represent pensioners’ interests.
Musa further highlighted the importance of the N32,000 adjustment outlined in the circular from the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission. “In Kaduna, a pensioner currently receiving N32,000 monthly would see that increase to N62,000 if the circular is enforced,” he stated, urging all state governments to act swiftly to reduce hardship among retirees.
The union condemned the wide disparities in pension payments across northern states, noting that some retirees receive as little as N1,950 monthly in Benue, N3,500 in Zamfara and Sokoto, N5,000 in Katsina, and N3,000 in Kaduna, compared to N12,000 to N20,000 in Kano and Jigawa.
Musa appealed to governors to prioritize retirees’ welfare, emphasizing that many have served the nation for 35 years or more. “Pensioners keep their word because of their age and integrity. Treat them fairly, and they will stand with you. Ignore them today, and you may face the same fate tomorrow,” he warned.
The Forum concluded with a renewed commitment to advocate for the timely payment of pensions and gratuities and for the implementation of the approved increase, asserting that retirees deserve dignity and financial security after decades of service.
