,,,,Stress quick execution of president directive.
By Dada Ahmed, Lokoja.
Retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) residing in Kogi State have expressed joy and appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ordering the immediate implementation of the long-awaited pension increase.
They also commended him for the rollout of free healthcare for low-income retirees under the CPS.
The retirees conveyed their gratitude during interviews with The Reporters in Lokoja on Thursday, saying the president’s directive has given them hope and relief after years of uncertainty.
According to them, the presidential order has rekindled their trust in the government’s commitment to the welfare of senior citizens.
“We are full of joy. The president has done his part by issuing the executive order. Nothing should stop its execution,” said Mallam Aliyu Ahmed.
Similarly, another retiree, Usman Jubrin, urged those responsible for implementing the president’s directive to act without delay, citing the economic hardship many retirees are currently facing.
“This is not the time for bureaucratic bottle neck or excuses. The directive should be implemented immediately,” he said.
Richard Olarewaju another pensioner, emphasized that the directive should not only be taken seriously but acted upon promptly to restore the dignity and financial stability of CPS retirees.
“The president has shown political will. It’s now up to the relevant authorities to demonstrate administrative commitment towards the implementation of his directive,”he added.
The retirees urged relevant Ministries, Development and Agencies involved in the implementation process to align with the president’s vision and act swiftly to end their prolonged wait.
Our correspondent recalls that
President Bola Tinubu ordered the implementation of the long-awaited pension increase and the rollout of free healthcare for low-income retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
This is contained in a statement signed on Wednesday in Abuja by the Special Adviser to the President, Bayo Onanuga.
Onanuga said the President gave the directives after receiving a briefing from the Director General of the National Pension Commission, Ms.Omolola Oloworaran.
The President, Onamuga added, also approved an average pension increase of ₦32,000 to be applied, with a minimum pension guarantee put in place to support the most vulnerable pensioners.
He stressed the need for immediate action to ease the financial pressure on retirees facing rising living costs.
Tinubu also directed PenCom to urgently resolve the long-standing police pension issue, stating that those who served the country in uniform must be able to retire with dignity and peace of mind.
During the meeting, the PenCom DG shared updates on efforts to protect pension assets from inflation and economic instability.
She also introduced a plan to allow Nigerians in the diaspora to contribute to the pension scheme,using foreign currency.
The President welcomed the reforms, restating his government’s goal of supporting inclusive welfare policies for all Nigerians, especially the elderly and vulnerable.
