By Dada Ahmed, Lokoja.
The National Union of Pension/Contributory Pension Scheme (NUP/CPS) has suspended its planned strike, originally scheduled for December 16, aimed at compelling the federal government to address outstanding pension increment arrears.
In a statement signed by Comrade Sylva C. Nwaiwu, National Chairman, and Comrade Bisan John, Secretary of the Central Action Committee (CAC), the union explained the decision was made following an emergency meeting held on December 11, 2024, and subsequent engagements with the Ministry of Finance.
The union stated:
“We hereby inform you that the Office of the Honourable Minister of Finance welcomed the Chairman and his team honourably to a crucial meeting yesterday, 12th December, 2024 at 4.30 p.m.”
Although key officials, including the Minister, Minister of State, and the Permanent Secretary, were unavailable due to other national commitments, designated representatives assured the union that efforts were underway to address their demands.
The union noted:
“During the meeting, the Union appreciated the ongoing releases of January–June 2024 funds for payment of accrued rights to Retirees of 2023 by the Ministry after the Union’s warning protest of 12th November, 2024.
‘The representatives of the Ministry of Finance assured the Union leadership that all hands are on deck to meet all its demands as it is the constitutional right of CPS retirees to enjoy their pension entitlements.”
Based on these assurances, the union resolved to suspend the planned strike, emphasizing the following:
The protest was no longer necessary as efforts were being made to settle all outstanding liabilities in the CPS sector.
The Ministry of Finance is committed to meeting the union’s demands despite challenges posed by December festivities and public holidays.
Positive outcomes are expected between December 2024 and January 2025.
Our correspondent reports that the union’s demands are payments of pension increments for 15% (2007), 33% (2010), and arrears from 2019 and 2024.
The statement added:
“The union leadership should be expectant of good outcomes on their demands between this December and January, 2025.”
The union promised to share a full report of the meeting with members during its Congress in Abuja on December 16, 2024.
