The Nigeria Union of pensioners under the contributory pension scheme sector (NUPCPS), has sent an open letter to The Minister of Finance Wale Edun, and the Accountant General of the Federation Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, demanding immediate payment of accrued rights, pension – increments and other entitlements owed to its members since 2004.
The pensioners have also threatened to occupy the offices of the accountant general of the Federation and the Minister of Finance if their demands are not met between January 23 and 29, 2025..
The Contributory Pension Scheme was introduced in 2004 to provide a sustainable and efficient pension system for Nigerian workers.
However, the non payment of accrued rights, pension increments and other entitlements has raised concerns about the effectiveness of the scheme.
The National Chairman of the Nigeria Union of pensioners under the contributory pension scheme sector (NUPCPS), Sylva Nwaiwu, while delivering an open letter to the representatives of the Minister of Finance said the non-payment of their benefits have subjected pensioners to abject poverty, while many are bedridden or dead.
It was a different scenario at the Treasury House where the aggrieved pensioners were restricted from entering inside the premises to press home their demands.
It took the intervention of some government officials before they were allowed into the Treasury House, where the representatives of the accountant general of the Federation, promised to speed up actions to meet their demands, but pleaded for more time
The pensioners appealed to President Bola Tinubu to prioritise their welfare by granting them free National Health Insurance Scheme as old age has made them physically and financially incapacitated.
The pensioners however say they will continue to occupy government offices in the next one week as a clear indication of their frustration with government.
Editor Paul Akhagbemhe
