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By Dada Ahmed in Abuja.
The National Chairman, NUPCPS, Comrade Sylva Nwaiwu reading his speech at the occasion.
The National Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Pensioners Contributory Pension Scheme (NUPCPS), Comrade Sylva Nwaiwu, has called on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure fairness and justice in implementing the January 1, 2026 effective date approved for the payment of gratuity to new retirees under the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS).
The Director General, PENCON, Ms.Omolola Oloworaran reading her address.
Nwaiwu made the appeal on Wednesday in Abuja during the National Thanksgiving Conference of the CPS sector, themed “Strengthening Contributory Pension Scheme Administration for Dignity, Timeliness and Trust.”
He warned that the current implementation plan, if left unchanged, could unjustly exclude thousands of retirees who have served the nation meritoriously under the CPS for over 21 years before the proposed cut-off date.
“Fixing January 1, 2026 as the commencement date effectively shuts out retirees who exited service after years of contribution to the scheme.
“This clear cut-off will deny those who served under the CPS for more than two decades access to the approved gratuity.
“We passionately appeal to His Excellency, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, not to allow this to happen under his administration,”Nwaiwu said.
The NUPCPS leader stressed that excluding these retirees would undermine the core objectives of the CPS, which is designed to guarantee dignity, financial security, and trust for workers after years of dedicated service.
He also raised concerns over the reported omission of several categories of eligible retirees in the ongoing disbursement of pension increments arising from the ₦758 billion bond approved by the Federal Government.
Expressing dismay over delays in implementing pension arrears and alleged unfair treatment by Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), Nwaiwu warned, “We call for federal government intervention, or our members who have been denied payment since funds were released in November 2025 will occupy PFA offices until their entitlements are settled.”
Nwaiwu identified affected groups to include individual retirees, retirees from organizations under the First Line Charge, employees of self-funded agencies, and workers who joined the CPS from its inception in 2004 but are yet to fully benefit from government interventions.
“Excluding these groups not only creates disparities within the pension system but also fuels discontent among retirees who have long awaited relief,” he said.
However, he commended the current government and PENCOM for easing the challenges CPS pensioners face in collecting their entitlements, noting that pensiobers no longer wait for months to receive their pensions.
The union leader urged urgent government to address these anomalies, insisting that all eligible retirees must be included in the payment structure without discrimination.
He emphasized that ensuring inclusivity in gratuity implementation and pension increment disbursement would restore confidence in the CPS and reaffirm the government’s commitment to retirees’ welfare.
Nwaiwu also called on stakeholders in the pension administration system to act swiftly and transparently in correcting lapses, noting that retirees deserve not only their entitlements but respect and dignity in post-service life.
He added that with full support from its parent body, the Nigeria Union of Pensioners, NUPCPS has become “a necessary force in tackling CPS challenges, helping to save the scheme from collapse and bringing it to its current status.”
In her address at the conference, the Director-General of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), Ms. Omolola Oloworaran, highlighted the Tinubu administration’s dedication to improving retirees’ lives through various policies and programs.
“Senior citizens appreciate the efforts of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration.
“While there is still more to be done, retirees value what has been achieved so far. With this kind of synergy, we will deliver even more,” Oloworaran assured.
She added that her unwavering commitment since assuming office has been to ensure senior that citizens do not retire into penury, recognizing their contributions to national development.
The event also featured awards presented to Comrade Nwaiwu and PENCOM Director-General Oloworaran for their outstanding contributions to NUPCPS development.
The occasion was lively, with union members dancing to classic tunes performed by the NSCDC music unit.
