A group of pensioners belonging to the Nigerian Union of Pensioners, Akwa Ibom State Council, have issued a warning about their intention to stage mass demonstrations throughout the streets of Uyo due to inadequate payment.
The pensioners announced their plan to block the entrances of Government House to attract the government’s attention to their struggles.
In a statement released last week, the union expressed dismay that some members who retired in the 1980s are still receiving meager amounts of N1,000, N1,500, and N2,000 as pension to this day.
Speaking on behalf of the members in Uyo on Wednesday, State Chairman Mr. Ekpeyong Ekpo and State Secretary Cosmos Essien addressed the press, expressing their frustration at the government’s unresponsiveness to alleviate their worsening situation, leading to their decision to protest and raise awareness about their plight.
Ekpo emphasized, “Our members who retired decades ago with pensions ranging from N1,000 to N2,000 are still receiving the same amounts today in Akwa Ibom State.
“Despite the provision in the 1999 Constitution in Section 173 (3) (2) (10) mandating periodic pension reviews every five years, including adjustments corresponding to salary increments, the government has refused to implement these reviews.
“It is disheartening that many pensioners are struggling with monthly pensions as low as N1,000 or N2,000 in present-day Nigeria. Some have no support system, with a few lucky individuals supporting children through school while others are still raising their offspring.”
“Despite assurances from the Akwa Ibom State Government of a minimum pension increase to N20,000 for pre-1997 retirees and N30,000 for those afterward, with promised payments from April 2023 to prevent arrears accumulation, nothing has materialized. All attempts to pressure the government for action have been unsuccessful, resulting in a dire situation for our members.”
“The outstanding arrears have continued to build up, and our members are suffering without access to essential medications, with over 65% facing hypertension and diabetes. The cost of living in Nigeria is high, and our pensioners are struggling to cope. Despite our pleas, the government has turned a blind eye.”
However, the union expressed appreciation to Governor Umo Eno for the payment of gratuities, highlighting his administration’s significant disbursement of over N14bn in gratuities to civil, local government, primary school pensioners, and beneficiaries.
He remarked, “Had previous administrations shown the same commitment, we would not be facing the current challenges.
“We urge Governor Umo Eno to continue displaying compassion and taking action, unlike his predecessors who neglected the elderly. Our prayers will persist for the governor to do more.
“Recognizing the lack of representation for pensioners, we appeal to the governor to establish a dedicated pension commission or board to address our concerns.”
The chairman highlighted their membership numbers, estimated at around 25,000 to 28,000, reiterating the constant influx and departure of members due to retirements and passing away.
He emphasized that despite recent efforts by the governor, outstanding pension and gratuity debts of over N40 billion remain unresolved.