By Dada Ahmed in Lokoja.
The Treasurer,Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme (NUPCPS), Kogi State branch,Engr. Gimba Mohammed,has appealed to the Federal Government to permanently integrate the ₦32,000 wage award granted to CPS pensioners into their monthly pensions, describing it as critical to dignity, stability and improved welfare for such pensioners
Engr. Mohammed made the appeal on Monday during an interview with The Reporters in Lokoja, stressing that a permanent inclusion would help pensioners better cope with rising living costs and family responsibilities.
According to him, mainstreaming the ₦32,000 allowance into monthly pensions would also eliminate uncertainty and ensure predictable income for pensioners who depend solely on their entitlements for survival.
He commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving the disbursement of the ₦758 billion bond to clear outstanding CPS pension liabilities, saying the move is a major relief to long-suffering CPS pensioners in the country.
The treasurer also applauded the efforts of the union leadership, the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), the Federal Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders for their roles in facilitating the ongoing payment of pension arrears nationwide.
Meanwhile, some CPS pensioners who spoke with The Reporters expressed happiness over the commencement of arrears of payment, while urging relevant authorities to hasten the process to ease their financial pressures.
They said they were hopeful that all outstanding allowances would be paid by December 20, 2025, as earlier announced by the National Chairman of CPS Pensioners, Comrade Sylva C. Nwaiwu.
In a recent update to members, Comrade Nwaiwu reaffirmed that the payment of pension increases and the ₦32,000 wage award is progressing steadily, with all eligible pensioners expected to receive their entitlements before the December 20,2025.
He disclosed that PENCOM is addressing delays linked to data inconsistencies among Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), noting that the release of Pensioners’lists is being done in batches to ensure accuracy.
According to him, arrears of the ₦32,000 allowance are already being uploaded for immediate payment, adding that approval has also been granted for payments to retirees of MDAs funded through first-line charges.
He added that authority letters have been issued to self-accounting and self-funded organisations to commence disbursement, adding that engagements are ongoing with CPS-compliant states to align state-level pension increments with federal implementation.
Comrade Nwaiwu appealed for patience, urging members to complete all required documentation promptly, thanking pensioners for their cooperation, and assured them of the union’s unwavering commitment to protecting their welfare and entitlements.
Our Correspondent who visited some Pension Fund Administrators’office in Lokoja on Monday reports that many CPS pensioners were seen finalizing filling of documents for the receipt of the 50 per cent of their allowances, scheduled for payment into their personal bank account and the balance for a boost to their monthly pensions.
