By Moses John
Abuja
Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has expressed its gratitude to President Goodluck Jonathan over implementation and payment of the long-awaited 33 per cent pension increase which the union had pressed for since 2010.
The union in a statement by its national president, Comrade Abel Afolayan, also urged Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to redouble her effort in addressing other outstanding challenges facing the federal civil service pensioners which borders on irregularities in the assessment of their pensions.
Afolayan in the statement acknowledged the efforts and support of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation who took it upon himself to ensure the realisation and actualisation of this dream come true for pensioners.
The statement said: “We would also like to commend the unwavering effort of all other stakeholders who had contributed in one way or the other to ensure this implementation, particularly the immediate past Minister of Labour and Productivity, Emeka Wogu, the Director General PTAD, Director General Budget office, the immediate past Head of Service of the Federation, Alhaji Bukar Goni Aji, and the incumbent Head of Service of the Federation. Also worthy of appreciation is the Coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for releasing the fund to kick-start the payment.
“We are also appreciative of the overwhelming efforts of the distinguished members and the Chairman, Senate Committee on Establishment and Public Service, Dr. Aloysius Etuk, for standing by the union, come rain, come shine. We are also grateful to the leadership and Honourable members of the House Committee on Pension Matters.
“However, having appreciated you all, we wish to pause here that it is not yet uhuru until the inherent arrears of the 33 per cent from 2010 to September 2014, are paid, and we are anxiously looking forward to its being captured in the 2015 budget as promised and assured by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation on behalf of the federal government.”
In another development, the union congratulated the federal government, the management of Pencom and other well-meaning Nigerians in celebrating the 10th anniversary of pension reform in the country.
