The House of Representatives has resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the delayed implementation of the ₦25,000 wage award and ₦32,000 palliative approved by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for Nigerian pensioners nearly two years ago.
The resolution followed a motion moved by Deputy Chief Whip, Ibrahim Ayokunle Isiaka, during plenary, reports The Nation.
The House expressed concern over the prolonged non-payment of the presidentially approved support packages and called for urgent action to address the situation.
As part of its resolution, the House directed the Ministry of Labour and Employment, along with the National Pension Commission (PenCom), to carry out a comprehensive audit of pension payments nationwide to ensure transparency and accountability in the disbursement process.
The lawmakers also urged state governments to take a cue from the federal government by prioritising pension payments and welfare programmes for retirees in their respective states.
The House called on the Federal Ministries of Finance, Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, as well as the Accountant General of the Federation, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), and other relevant agencies to implement all approved pension increases without further delay.
It further urged the Ministry of Finance to immediately release all pending palliative measures meant for pensioners and ensure prompt disbursement to alleviate their hardship.
The House also appealed to the Nigerian Pensioners’ Association and other stakeholders to work closely with government agencies to advocate for and monitor the enforcement of pensioners’ rights and welfare.
Moving the motion, Ayokunle acknowledged the vital contributions made by Nigerian pensioners in nation-building and the development of Nigeria, adding that in recital of that that President Ahmed Tinubu, in October 2023, approved a 25, 000 Naira, wage award palliative and an additional 32,000 Naira, pension increase for Federal Pensioners in Nigeria.
He expressed concern that most pensioners face challenges, including non-payment of government pension increments and withholding of essential palliative measures, leading to inadequate income, basic needs, and deteriorating health conditions.
He said, “The provisions of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) emphasise social justice, dignity of the human person, and the obligation of the state to ensure the welfare of its citizens.
“The non-implementation of approved pension increments and withholding of palliative measures undermine the constitutional principles and threaten social stability.
“Numerous appeals and petitions from pensioners and relevant associations have gone unheeded, leading to increased hardship and discontent among pensioners”.
He said there was an urgent need to address these challenges and uphold the dignity and welfare of Nigerian senior citizens (pensioners).
