By Dada Ahmed.
The National Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners under the Contributory Pension Scheme (NUPCPS), Comrade Sylva Nwaiwu, has expressed deep concern over what he described as the frustrating and insensitive attitude of Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs) towards retirees under the CPS, particularly regarding the payment of their entitlements.
Comrade Nwaiwu, who expressed the frustration of the union leadership in his Christmas broadcast to members at home and abroad in Abuja, said the ongoing challenges surrounding pension payments have become worrisome and an eye-opener for the union.
Comrade Nwaiwu said the conduct and body language of PFAs clearly show little or no regard for the welfare and wellbeing of elderly retirees.
According to him, the PFAs have demonstrated that they are more interested in their business gains than the plight of pensioners whose contributions sustain the system.
He said: “They are on their business. It is an eye-opener for us, as a union, to know that PFAs have constituted themselves into an empire, and this is something we must confront until we are able to bring them to a position where they will begin to respect us as the reason they exist.
“Without us as retirees and contributors, including future retirees, they will not be there. The union must not take this lightly.”
He noted that the union has now come to the painful realisation that PFAs have constituted themselves into what he termed an “empire,” operating with arrogance and impunity.
“This situation has opened our eyes as a union. The PFAs seem to have forgotten that without retirees and contributors, including future retirees, they would not exist. Yet, they treat us with disdain and act as if they are untouchable,” the chairman said.
Comrade Nwaiwu disclosed that union officials across the states have been moving from one PFA to another to ensure compliance with guidelines issued by the National Pension Commission (PenCom), the regulatory authority.
However, he lamented that despite these efforts, PFAs have continued to flout regulations issued by PenCom and ignore the union, behaving as though they are beyond accountability.
“They have shown in every way that they believe they are untouchable. But I assure you, we are going to make them touchable very soon. All our members must be prepared,” he said.
The NUPCPS chairman, therefore, called on union leaders and members nationwide to brace up for a total and coordinated union action against PFAs, stressing that no administrator would be exempted.
The national chairman accused the PFAs of proving, through their body language, that the welfare of retirees is not their concern, but rather what they can gain from pensioners’ suffering.
Comrade Nwaiwu also expressed disappointment that some individuals, including those who should know better among the leadership, are busy criticising instead of standing firmly with the union at this critical moment.
He warned that this is not the time for division or distractions, but a time for unity, resolve and decisive action to defend the dignity and welfare of CPS retirees.
