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Tag: Nigeria Union of Pensioners

  • NUP demands N40,000 minimum pension

    As the tripartite committee on National Minimum Wage holds public hearing across the six geo-political zones of the country, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has demanded N40,000 monthly minimum pension for pensioners.

    The NUP made its demand also as the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) called for the removal of salary disparity between civil servants in the core government ministries and their counterparts in government agencies and parastatals.

    In a memorandum presented to the National Minimum Wage Committee, at the public hearing held in Abuja, the NUP Deputy National President, Alhaji Musa Aliyu, said the agitation for minimum pension alongside minimum wage has been going on since the inception of the union in 1978.

    This,  according to him, was to correct the ugly situation whereby some pensioners, particularly at state level, earn as low as N2, 000 monthly.

    He pointed out that there has never been any genuine attempt by the government to determine a for pensioners.

    In his presentation, the FCT Minister, who was represented by the Director, Human Resource Management, Hajia Amina Abubakar, said: “There is the need for the committee to consider recommending the implementation of a salary structure relativity among all Federal Government establishment”

  • ‘We can’t trust government with pension funds’

    Dr. Abel Afolayan is the National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP). In this interview with Tony Akowe, he speaks on the pension situation in the country, the delay in concluding pensioners’ verification by the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate, the situation with the Contributory Pension Scheme and much more. Excerpts:

    What is the update on the pension situation in the country today?

    As at today, the pension is being paid regularly and it has been paid up to January 2018. PTAD which is the government agency in charge of this has been doing an excellent job I. Ensuring prompt payment of our monthly pension. But the story is quite different at the state level. Many of the states still owe pensioners several months of monthly pension and even gratuity as far back as 2004, 2005 for some pensioners. Some states are paying pensioners in percentage of their monthly pension which is contrary t the constitutional provision that Pension must not be tampered with or reduced for whatever reason.

    There was a time when the union raised an alarm that Pension was being taxed. What is the situation today?

    That is a thing is the past because they all know that pension is tax free. We had to take the matter to the Presidency and the President made intervened and made it clear that Pension should not be taxed and that was during President Jonathan’s tenure. They have been keeping to that.

    There are lots of complain from pensioners under the Contributory Pension Scheme. What is their present condition?

    The situation in the Contributory Pension Scheme is more complex. By the Pension Reform Act 2014, workers are supposed to pay ten percent while employers pay eight percent making it eighteen percent. Very few state government have keyed into that and have enacted and passed the enabling law and have started deductions from the monthly wages of worker and remitting same to their PFA and paying their own matching percentage of eight percent. There are quite a few of the states that are deducting the ten percent and forward to the PFA, but are not paying their matching percentage.

    What is the implication of that?

    Ha! The implication is that such a practice is not healthy for the workers because it will bounce back in them when they retire. That will create problem for them when they retire. Worst off is the fact that there are states that have not keyed into the Scheme at all.

    Pensioners under the Contributory Pension Scheme are complaining of not getting their money and this could be because their employers did not make adequate remittance. What is the implication of this?

    That means more suffering for the pensioners because that will bring untold hardship on them. When you retire, PenCom cannot pay you, not because of any fault on their part, but on the part of government, the state government and even the federal government. Those who retired partly under the old Scheme and partly under the new Scheme, there was an understanding on how to handle their issue. That understanding was that government will pay the share of the time they spent under the old Scheme by deducting five percent of their monthly wage bill and sending it to the Central Bank to be able to pay that part of their retirement benefit when they retire. The federal government has not been living up to that understanding and that has been creating problems for federal officers and that is why some of them are saying that what they are being paid is like pittance when compared to their colleagues who retired under the defined benefit Scheme.

    What was the idea behind jettisoning the old pension scheme?

    When they started, the number of those retiring was not much. But as the years roll bye, the number of pensioners kept on increasing beyond the capacity of government to pay. That was why the Obasanjo administration decided to look into the matter and see what they can do to reduce the burden on government. A delegation was sent to different countries of the world before the adopted the Chile model that people will have to contribute towards their pension. So, they started with the idea of 7.5 percent in 2004 for both employers and workers to reduce the burden on government and the inability of government to pay as time goes on. That was what informed the new Scheme.

    There is this idea of investing Pension fund by government which the union has been opposed to. Of what benefit will this investment be to the pensioner if the funds are invested?

    There was a public hearing by the House of Representative in this matter where we said that we are not one hundred percent against investing pensioners’ money. We are saying that you cannot invest our money without involving us. We are saying that pensioners must be part of the decision making process towards that investment, especially in what to invest their money on. We made it clear that we don’t want a situation whereby you invest pensioners’ money in road construction or anything that will gulp pensioners’ money and no return. They have been investing in bonds and we know there are returns on that which you cannot tamper with. But when you say you want to invest our money in road construction, railways, airport over which we have no control of how the money will be handle, at the end of the day, pensioners’ money will go down the drain, that is what we don’t support and we stand by that. There is no disagreement between organised labour and our union over that. Both the NLC, TUC, and our union are united on that.

    There has been some disagreement within the union in the recent past with some members alleging that the leadership has not done well and that they have set up their own pensioners union. You have spoken on these disagreements. What is your position of these issues?

    Let me tell you, part of the problem in this country is that everybody wants to lead and create small empire for himself. We are saying that the union is all of us. The constitution says you cannot be there for more than eight years. I am running my second term now and by April 2021, I will be off from here and somebody else will take over. But some of us are impatient and so are in a hurry to lead. You will have to exercise patience. They forget that there is only one union approved under the existing laws of this country for pensioners and that is Nigeria Union of Pensioners. As far as we are concerned, there is no other union for pensioner as of today outside the NUP. They may create Association and call it whatever they like, but the law makes it clear that they cannot be recognised and paid check off dues. They often resort to blackmailing that we are not performing. Within my first term of office, we build a permanent secretariat for the union and have moved from a rented apartment to our own property. I have made it clear that I am here to build on the legacies of our founding fathers. We have another pensioner’s house built by the founding fathers in Ibadan where the union started in 1978. We started with the NLC in 1978 as one of its affiliates.

    Many pensioners believe that the ongoing verification by PTAD is taking too long to conclude. Do you share such sentiments?

    It has not taken too long a time because Nigeria is a big country. I know that because my first degree is in Geography. We have six zones and PTAD did an excellent job to conduct the verification in all the zones. That was completed late last year with the North central zone. By the time they completed the civil pensioners, there was still some parastatals to be verified. That was why they had to face NITEL/MTEL pensioners early in the year. Right now, they have massive data which they have to collate. They have to collate all the zonal data into a national data. It is the same team that goes out for the verification that will handle the collation at the Centre. Wisdom dictates that they should suspend verification for the time being so that they can collate all the massive data and start paying all those they have verified. I am saying it on my honour that PTAD has done an excellent job, the time that has not been done before which has been achieved by this lady, Barrister Sharon Ikeazor. If you are privileged  to witness how the verification was conducted, you will realised that it was done with great respect for pensioners because the organisation was superb and pensioners across the country has continued to applaud the exercise for the way it was carried out.

    Are you giving your members your word that they will soon begin to get their money?

    Our members across the country have been pestering us with calls on a daily basis and we are been trying to explain to them the need to be patient since they have been verified. PTAD had to collate all the data from the states and zones into the national data bank. It is know after doing that, that they can start paying. I have told them that by May or June, they will start paying. The Executive Secretary has assured me that it is very likely that it may not take up to that time and that they had to suspend further verification to enable them conclude the computation of the already verified data.

    Are you not afraid of possible shortfall in the release of funds from the government?

    So far, so good. I don’t want to preempt government. But when the data is ready and they present the financial implication to the government, then we will wait and see. But they have assured PTAD that they will pay.

    There is this aspect of the law that says Pensions should be reviewed every five years or whenever salaries are reviewed. Right now, the minimum wage committee is on. What is the involvement of the union is the undoing review?

    Through the NLC, I am a member of that panel and the negotiation are ongoing. We started with a minimum of N56000 as the minimum. But we have been asking for a minimum pension of N25,000 because we don’t want to be seen as asking for too much or something that is unrealistic. But labour is already saying that the N56,000 they earlier asked for is too small now and that they are going to ask for something higher. We were supposed to meet in January’ but because of the preparation for the 40th anniversary NLC, we have not held any meeting and so, we don’t know what we are going to present before the committee in place of the N56,000.

  • Ex- Nigeria Airways pensioners protest delay in payment of severance benefits

    Ex- Nigeria Airways pensioners protest delay in payment of severance benefits

    …Passengers miss flight over traffic disruption

    Former workers and pensioners of liquidated national carrier –  Nigeria Airways Limited on Tuesday staged a protest at the Lagos Airport over the delay by the Ministry of Finance in paying their N45 billion severance benefit.

    The former workers and pensioners numbering over one hundred blocked the busy Airport Road disrupting vehicular traffic.

    They marched from the Skypower Catering Company premises, one of the subsidiaries of the liquidated former carrier opposite the Nigeria Air Force Base to the section of the road leading into the General Aviation Terminal (GAT).

    Singing solidarity songs they carried placards with inscriptions conveying their plight.

    Policemen attached to the airport were on hand to prevent break down of law and order.

    The blockage of the road, forced many passengers to get on motor bikes otherwise known as Okada , so avoid missing their flight.

    The ex – workers said they were disappointed that despite approval by the Federal Executive Council, seven months ago, the Ministry of Finance is yet to release their money.

    The ex-staff carried placards with different inscriptions principally targeted at the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun whom they accused of being insensitive to their plight for refusing to release their entitlements.

    The placards read: ” Mrs Kemi Adeosun: Do not delay this payment further, It is a crime against humanity, Madam MOF: Did you misappropriate our pension money?, Kemi Adeosun, We demand immediate payment of our pensions, Mrs. Adeosun: Enough of the Rigmarole- pay us Now, Mrs. Adeosun: Your actions and inactions are man’s inhumanity to man and so on. They also chanted solidarity songs and echoing the name of the minister at intervals.

    Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Nigeria Airways Branch, Comrade Sam Nzene said the protest became necessary as he alleged that the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun was playing politics with their money.

    He explained that last year after the approval for payment was given, they were told that the ministry was ready to pay but were being delayed by the National Assembly as they were waiting for them to give the go ahead.

    Comrade Nzene added that to their surprise after a visit and discussions with the National Assembly, it was the Ministry that was dilly dally on the matter.

    “This is the third protest, we have been doing this since last year, even on December 19, last year, there was a protest in the Ministry of Finance when we shut down the place for  five hours and at the end of the day, they were called into a meeting and told that the National Assembly was holding our payment. This is the seventh month now after the FEC approved this payment”

    “Well, we went to National Assembly, we wrote to the senate president, we were told that there was nothing of the Nigeria Airways in the National Assembly that they have approved the money government sent to them for settlement of debts owed to civil servants and pensioners and contractors that these monies have been approved and released”.

    Comrade Nzene said many of their members have died while waiting for their pay package, adding early this year three of their members died.

    Also speaking, president, Aviation Union Grand Alliance, Comrade Lookman  Animashaun said they were tired of the bulk passing and insisted that the Minister of Finance should tell them why the payment was delaying.

    He noted that army pensioners have started collecting their benefits from the N2.7 trillion approved by the FEC and asked what was  delaying the payment of N45 billion accruing to them.

    “They are paying the salary arrears of army pensioners and contractors, were did they get money to pay those two, they should let us know, so to us, nothing is in the National Assembly because we have combed everywhere in the National Assembly, we have gone to the clerk, senate committee on aviation, appropriation, on pensioners, they said there was nothing like that and whatever they need to approve, they have done and that is why they are paying the other two components, the minister should come out and tell what the position is”.

    Three of the protesting staff collapsed during the protest and were immediately revived and taken away.

    Some families members of the ex-staff whose father/mother have died came clad in black clothes to show their support for the protest.

    Some of the placards read: ‘Adeosun: Enough of the rigmarole, pay us Now’, Mrs. Adeosun: Your actions and inactions are man’s inhumanity to man’, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun: Do not delay this payment further; it is a crime against humanity’, ‘Kemi Adeosun, we demand immediate payment of our pensions’ etc.

    However, he said findings showed that it was the ministry that is withholding the payment.

    It would be recalled that in September 2017, the minister of state for aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika announced the approval of N45 billion severance package for the Nigeria Airways workers.

    Speaking in Abuja on Wednesday, September 20 after the weekly federal executive council meeting, Sirika said the minister of finance, Adeosun, had been instructed to put the machinery in place for payment of the workers.

    “I’m happy to announce that Mr. President has approved N45 billion which has been confirmed to be the entitlements of these workers and Ministry of Finance has been instructed to pay the money. The ministry wrote…that they have received the instruction to pay these workers, and therefore, they are setting up the modalities to pay.

    “You should know it won’t be paid through my ministry before somebody will say I take some of it. It will be paid by the ministry of finance through a process, and that process will commence very soon,’’ he said.

  • NUP urges FG to clear 33% pension arrears

    NUP urges FG to clear 33% pension arrears

    Mr Joseph Dele, Chairman, Nigeria Union of Pensioners NUP (Federal Branch) Lagos, has appealed to the Federal Government to offset the backlog of the 33 per cent increment in pension owed pensioners.

    Dele told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos on Sunday that the pensioners are being owed 12 months arrears of the 33 per cent increment in pension.

    The 33 per cent backlog is from pension increment for civil service, police and parastatal pensioners to enhance their welfare.

    He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his determination to settle the backlog and other entitlements owed pensioners.

    “This determination could also guarantee the pensioners support for the President in 2019,” he said.

    Dele expressed regrets that the arrears were being paid in piecemeal through the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) to the pensioners under the Defined Benefit Scheme (DBS).

    “We still have 12 months outstanding and some parastatals still have as high as 36 months backlogs outstanding.

    “Moreover, it was 54.3 per cent increment that they promised us but was later slashed to 33 per cent which we accepted without grudge, “he said.

    Dele appealed to the Federal government to release fund to clear the backlog through PTAD.

    He further urged the Federal Government not to exclude pensioners from the ongoing minimum wage review.

    He said; “The Federal Government promised to review the minimum wage over five years. We plead that they should consider pensioners also by increasing the percentage of their monthly allowance.

    “Our monthly pension is too small and it can’t feed us,’’ he said. (NAN)

  • Praises for Emmanuel as pensioners celebrate their day

    Praises for Emmanuel as pensioners celebrate their day

    Non-payment of retirement income of senior citizens has become a common refrain. After working so hard to contribute to the socio-economic and political development of their fatherland, the senior citizens’ annuity is either not paid regularly or not paid at all. They are often forgotten. BASSEY ANTHONY reports that it is not so with pensioners in Akwa Ibom State who praised Governor Udom Emmanuel for paying their pensions and gratuities regularly.

    Pensioners in Nigeria have never been happy after retirement. Having worked so hard towards the socio-economic and political development of the country, their retirement income is either not paid regularly or not paid at all. They are often forgotten after they have retired from active service to their fatherland.

    Stories abound of retirees not paid their retirement income and gratuities, even as government at all levels are said to be culpable in maltreating this category of people.

    Perhaps, the most harrowing experience the retirees always face is the ceaseless and sometimes senseless screening and verification exercises. Old, weak and frustrated pensioners have had to stand for hours on end in long queues under the scorching sun and in rain to get verified and screened.

    Even after the excruciating experiences, some pensioners are said to have died without collecting their entitlements.

    Ineptitude, bureaucracy and corruption on the part of government officials work against the retirees with the result that some state governments owe the retirees pension and gratuities for upwards of several months or years.

    But in Akwa Ibom State, pensioners have been lucky. Any wonder they gathered at the Ibom Hall  Ground, along IBB Way in Uyo on Monday to praise Governor Udom Emmanuel for not allowing them to suffer like their counterparts in some states.

    Under the aegis of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP), the retirees poured encomiums on Governor Emmanuel for his concern about workers’ welfare, especially those of the pensioners.

    The retired persons numbering 28,000 marked this year’s National Pensioners’ Day celebration with the theme “Pensioners Edaka Eda”.

    Having expressed their appreciation to the Governor, they declared their willingness and readiness to support the Emmanuel-led administration in his efforts to move the state forward.

    An address presented by the Chairman of Akwa Ibom State Council of the NUP, Obong E. D. Ekpo (JP), appreciated Governor Emmanuel for his ability to manage the lean resources available, hence bringing the impact of recession to its minimal compared to what is obtainable in other states.

    He said: “Akwa Ibom State pensioners celebrate the 2017 National Pensioners’ Day along with other 36 states of the federation and  Abuja. It is a day of reflection on the goings on in the state and other states of the federation.

    “After reflection and comparison, Akwa Ibom pensioners have reason to thank God for the kind of Governor we have.

    “It has been observed that Akwa Ibom workers, including pensioners, are not worse off compared to their counterparts in other states of the federation.

    “On this note, the union decided to invite His Excellency, Deacon Udom Gabriel Emmanuel, on this unique day to say thank you to him for his efforts so far. We cherish and appreciate your dynamic and financial management style.”

    In his response, Governor Emmanuel, who was represented by the Head of Service, Mrs Ekereobong Akpan, thanked the pensioners for the great show of love as they received him in spite of lies a section of the press may have fed the people with.

    Governor Emmanuel reminded the pensioners that his first action upon assumption of office in 2015 was to offset backlog of pension arrears and gratuities.

    “Upon my inauguration on May 29, 2015, the first action I took was to authorise the payment of a 10-year backlog of pensions and gratuities of our workers, a gesture which was highly appreciated by the state-organised labour that wrote letters to thank me for such display of concern for the welfare of pensioners.

    “I thank the state-organised labour for the show of understanding and good working relationship it has shown. We will continue to pay pension and gratuities of our senior citizens. In November, we paid salaries without receiving our monthly allocations from the Federation Account.

    “The few who are yet to receive have one issue or the other. We discovered that most people moved from government’s integrated payroll to pension’s payroll. We are following due process. After collecting your blue papers, don’t go home and relax. Go and register in the sub-treasury of your choice for documentation so that every other thing will follow.”

    Earlier in his message, the Chairman of Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Akwa Ibom State chapter, Rev (Dr) Ndueso Ekwere, admonished the pensioners to “Arise and Secure Your Rehoboth”. He urged them not to be tired despite the fact that they have retired.

    He said: “Move forward for Rehoboth is in front of you. Government will be your Rehoboth because you are very important factor in the land.

    “Try and occupy yourselves in whatever way you can to sustain your family. You can go into farming, small-scale business, and other things. Just do something and God will make that place to become a Rehoboth (fruitful).”

    In his speech, Chairman of the occasion and Chairman, Civil Service Commission, Elder Sunny I. Akpadiaha, enjoined the pensioners to see the celebration as a day for sober reflection, even as he urged them to cast their minds back to the history of NUP.

    His words: “I want us to cast our minds back to the history and formation of NUP which was established following the restructuring of Labour Unions in 1977. Today, the NUP is the umbrella organisation for all civilian pensioners nation-wide.

    “Therefore, as you are celebrating, look back. This should be a moment of sober reflection on the achievements so far recorded. As a union, you have a sacred duty to fight for the welfare of your members, advance the education and training of your members, provide for the benefit and offer assistance to your members, to protect and advance socio-economic and cultural interests of the community in general and your members in particular.

    “Even though you have retired, some of you are still very active. The experiences you acquired in your 35 years in public service is such that can’t be purchased in the market. Therefore, you are a reservoir of experience, intelligence and knowledge. Use the experiences and knowledge and see yourselves as think-tanks so that you can always advise the government on policy matters affecting the community, state and your members.

    “The challenge you may be experiencing is not peculiar to only Akwa Ibom State. There are other states that owe pensioners arrears of many years, yet the governors are purchasing vehicles worth millions of Naira for those who never served the state. The good news is that the story is different in Akwa Ibom State.”

    Elder Akpadiaha assured the pensioners that soon all pension arrears will be paid, even as he enjoined them to continue to co-operate with the current administration.

    Solidarity and goodwill messages from various segments of the union, ranging from Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), Head of Service and Accountant-General, among others, also praised Governor Emmanuel for his determination to harmonise pensions and make indebtedness in the area of pension arrears and gratuities things of the past.

    Highpoint of the event was the symbolic presentation of portrait of the Governor and dedication of over 28,000 pensioners in Akwa Ibom State to Governor Emmanuel for knowledge and utilisation of their services through the 31 branches, three Senatorial Districts of retired primary school teachers and the state’s Women Wing of Local Government Pensioners.

    His Royal Majesty, Edidem (Dr) Ntoeng Udo Effiong Akpan (JP), Paramount Ruler of Ini Local Government Area and Chairman, Council of Traditional Rulers; Obong Cosmas M. Essien (JP), Secretary NUP; Obong J. Nkanta, State Trustee NUP; Mr Linus Eyo Etim, State Auditor NUP; Apostle Ime Udoh (JP), State Public Relations Officer (PRO) NUP; Elder Comrade Ntiedo Ema, Chairman, Central Planning Committee; Obonganwan Usoro, Chairman, Women Committee and other dignitaries attended the event.

  • FG releases N470bn for outstanding pension

    FG releases N470bn for outstanding pension

    The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has commended the Federal Government for the release of about of he sum of N740 billion for the settlement of outstanding pension liabilities and promotion arrears of federal workers across the country.

    The union also asked its members nationwide to take advantage of of the current voter registration exercise and equip themselves with voters card to enable them vote out politicians who have displayed anti-worker and anti pensioners tendencies during the 2019 elections.

    In a statement signed by the General Secretary, Actor Zal and made available to newsmen in Abuja, the union said the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD)) has also assured that  all pension arrears will soon be liquidated by the government and appealed to its members nationwide to exercise a little more patience, as the government is ready to facilitate the payment of all entitlements in due course through the treasury bills and bonds.

    According to the statement, payments of the arrears of 33% pension increase, (18 months for civilian pensioners and 39 months for police pensioners) as well as the backlog of arrears of gratuities that were owed pensioners since 2001 shall also be liquidated.

    The statement added that “PTAD will equally commence the verification of pensioners from the South West and North Central zones within few weeks from now. The dates and venues of the exercise will be announced as soon as funds are released through print and electronic media by PTAD accordingly.”

    It said that the union was appreciative “of the efforts of the Chairman House Committee on Pension, Hon. Hassan Shekarau and the Executive Secretary of PTAD, Bar. (Mrs) Sharon Ikeazor for their frantic and unshakeable efforts in this regard. We call on them and all other well-meaning Nigerians, to join hands with the federal government to ensure that this payment is done without further delay so as to assuage the pains and sufferings of our senior citizens who had worked selflessly for a greater and indivisible Nigeria.

    “May we equally use this medium to direct all our members from the States, LGAs and parastatals across the country to take advantage of the on-going voters registration exercise towards equipping themselves with voters cards in readiness for the 2019 general election so as to cast their votes for and against those who have been treating them fairly and those who have been treating them with disdain and levity respectively.”

  • Pay salaries, pension before Sallah, union urges FG

    Pay salaries, pension before Sallah, union urges FG

    The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, on Tuesday urged Federal and state governments to pay pension and workers salaries before the Sallah festival.

    The union said in statement issued in Abuja by its General Secretary, Mr Actor Zal that the gesture would ease current hardship and allow pensioners and workers celebrate the event without hassle.

    It particularly noted that most pensioners depend solely on their paltry pensions to meet their financial obligations.

    The union lauded the acting President, Prof. Yemi Oshibajo for the recent release of funds for their payment, and urged for similar release of their pension for June.

    It stressed that state governments should also make prompt payment of pensions and salaries a priority especially during festivals.

    The union said that pensioners and workers have spent their little savings observing the Ramadan fast and have little or nothing left to celebrate the Sallah.

    “We believe that this is a listening government and we are sure the government will accede to our request so that our people can have cause to smile during the celebration,” it added

  • FAAN pensioners urge Senate to stop airports concession

    FAAN pensioners urge Senate to stop airports concession

    The Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) Chapter, has urged the Senate to urgently stop the planned concession of the four major airports in the country.

    Mr Emeka Njoku, Secretary-General, NUP, FAAN, made the call while speaking at the monthly general meeting of the union at the premises of the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos on Tuesday.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government had recently appointed Transaction Advisers for the concession of the Lagos, Abuja, Kano and Port Harcourt airports.

    Njoku, however, faulted the move, stressing that the unions in the sector would continue to resist any plan to concession the viable airports by the Minister of State, Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika.

    He said: “The Senate recently stopped the concession of Port Harcourt Refinery because the process was not transparent.

    “We hereby solicit further intervention from the National Assembly on the planned concession of our four viable airports.

    “If this government is known for zero tolerance on any act of impunity, particularly President Muhammadu Buhari, we cannot understand the refusal of the minister on the recently passed National Assembly Public Hearing resolution suspending the planned concession of the four viable airports.’’

    According to him, past concession agreements were not beneficial to both government and its agencies.

    Njoku noted that revenue collection points of FAAN such as the toll gate, car parks, bill boards, fuel surcharges, shops and VIP lounges were all put under concession and have all become sad stories today.

    He said the union would not allow FAAN to go the way of the defunct Nigeria Airways which was liquidated by an executive fiat.

    “We want the minister to tell the public what he wants to concession. What happens to FAAN workers, pensioners, its assets and liabilities?

    “Is there a government blueprint on the proposal and what are contained therein?

    “These and many more are begging for answers and should not be swept under the carpets,’’ Njoku said.

  • Dogara to push for settlement of pensioners’ entitlements

    Dogara to push for settlement of pensioners’ entitlements

    The Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr Yakubu Dogara on Wednesday said the House will meet with the Executive to work out a definite plan towards offsetting N200 billion pension due to retired public workers.

    Dogara said this when he received a delegation from the Nigeria Union of Pensioners at the National Assembly Complex in Abuja.

    He said that the House would invite all key players in charge of pension in the country, to appear before the House next week and explain their plans to off-set the arrears.

    Citing section 173 (1) and (2) of the 1999 Constitution, he stressed that it was the responsibility of the Federal Government to ensure that pension earned by the pensioners were paid as at when due.

    “The Right of a person who works in the public service of the federation to receive pension and gratuity shall be regulated by law.

    “Obviously, we have done our own part of the bargain, which is the enactment of the  Pension Reform Act of 2014.

    “If pension is a Right and pensioners must be paid, it means that the Federal Government is indebted and if it is paid, the government is not doing a favour to anybody,” he said.

    Dogara emphasised that the fight against corruption in public service would be greatly enhanced by prompt payment of pensions.

    According to him, this will reduce the temptation to divert public funds by civil servants for use after retirement.

    Earlier, The National President of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, Dr Abel Afolayan, had appealed to the National Assembly to ensure that sufficient funds were provided to cater for pension liabilities in the 2017 budget.

    Afolayan also appealed that pension should be put on’ First Line’ charge, just as he solicited the assistance of the Speaker to facilitate the payment of outstanding 18 months arrears of the 33 per cent pension increase.

    The House had last week passed a resolution urging the Federal government to offset all pension arrears owed pensioners since 2014

     

  • Pensioners protest non-payment of Police pensions

    The Nigeria Union of Pensioners Wednesday protested the payment of three months pension arrears to pensioners of the Nigeria Police Force when their counterparts in other services were being paid between 24 and 42 months pension arrears.

    In a statement made available to The Nation in Abuja and signed by the National President,  Dr. Abel  Afolayan and General Secretary, Elder Actor Zal, the union describe the action as inhuman and appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene and ensure the prompt payment of the entitlement of the Police pensioners.

    The statement reads: “the Nigeria Union of Pensioners wishes to express her profound gratitude to the federal government for the payment of 12 months arrears of 33% pension increase to the civilian pensioners in Nigeria.

    “Equally, we are very appreciative of payment of 30 months arrears of same to the entire para-military pensioners of our union comprising, Customs, Immigration and Prisons service.

    “We are not unmindful of the current economic situation of the country especially this season of economic recession; President Muhammadu Buhari has really shown his great love for pensioners.

    “However, we want to appeal to the Federal Government in the same vein to kindly ensure speedy payment of the 18 months balance of this arrears to the civilian pensioners.

    “Equally, we were surprise that as the civilian pensioners collected 24 months, para-military got the entire 42 months arrears and the Nigerian military pensioners got 42 months.

    “It is surprising that the Nigeria Police pensioners got only 3 months. How on earth can someone explain this grave injustice done to the police pensioners. This is highly inexplainable.

    “We appeal to Mr. President to please use his love for all and good offices to address this great injustice being done to the members of the Nigeria Police Pensioners who have used their youthful period to serve the nation.”