By correspondent in Abuja.
Retirees under Nigeria’s Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) are calling on the Accountant General of the Federation to urgently release funds for the payment of outstanding accrued rights and pension increments.
The union noted that its CPS retirees, who served the nation under the CPS introduced by the Federal Government in 2004, have been without their entitled benefits since March 2023 where as, the National Assembly appropriated these funds in the 2023 and 2024 budgets.
The call is contained in a statement signed by
Comrade Sylva C Nwaiwu
and Comrade Bisan John,
National Chairman.Secretary Central Action Committee (CAC)
with a copy to The Reporters on Thursday.
The Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme Sector (NUPCPS) expressed concern over the delay in getting them their entitlements
They said that despite the constitutional rights of retirees under sections 173(3) of the amended 1999 Constitution and 15(4) of the Pension Reform Act (PRA) 2014, the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation (OAGF) has yet to release the funds for these payments.
This delay, according to the union affects workers who retired after March 2023, as well as those awaiting increments on the accrued portion of their pension rights from before the introduction of the CPS in 2004.
The union notes that while the OAGF cites a lack of available funds as the reason for the delay, other categories of public servants continue to receive their pension increments.
The NUPCPS points out that many retirees are suffering from preventable illnesses and poverty due to the neglect of their welfare, with some passing away without receiving their due entitlements.
The leadership of the NUPCPS appeals to the Accountant General to act swiftly in releasing the funds, stressing the importance of treating retirees with dignity.
It urged the OAGF to ensure that these elder statesmen and women receive their pensions without further delay, adding that retirement is the future of every worker, including those in the Accountant General’s office.
The union emphasized the urgency of this issue and called for immediate action to prevent further hardship among retirees.
Edited by Dada Ahmed.
