Awka: The Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP), South-East Zone, has lauded Governor Chukwuma Soludo for clearing ₦22 billion in gratuities, inherited from the previous administration. This decisive action marks significant relief for retirees who have long been burdened by delayed entitlements.
The union said these gratuities covered the 2017-2020 period and were unpaid by the previous administration in Anambra.
South-East Chairman of the union, Mr Anthony Ugozor, gave the commendation during the zonal meeting held on Monday. Ugozor urged other South-East governors to also prioritise pensioners’ welfare and ensure timely retirement benefits. Retirement. He noted that under Soludo, retirees received prompt gratuities and regular monthly pensions. aid consHe called for immediate harmonisation of pension rates and implementation of the proposed N32,000 minimum pension after the Federal Government’s announcement.
Ugozor argued that pensioners who retired at the same grade level deserved equal pensions regardless of their years of service.
He lamented existing disparities, saying that retirees on the same Grade Level 12 received different pensions despite facing identical economic conditions. For example, retirees from different years can differ by up to N10,000 at the same grade level.
“In light of the approved federal minimum pension of N32,000, we urge governors to effect the adjustment immediately after the official announcement,” Ugozor added.
The union leader also reminded the Anambra government about N490.18 million meant for primary school pensioners from the 2002 and 2003 periods.
He alleged that the funds remained with the Local Government Pension Board while some beneficiaries had died awaiting payment.
Earlier, the state Head of Service, Mrs Ngozi Iwuno, assured pensioners of the administration’s continued commitment to their welfare.
Iwuno urged retirees to remain peaceful and commended them for their contributions to public service and national development.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Anambra, Mr Humphrey Nwafor, called for unity among pensioners across the state.
Nwafor disclosed that the NLC had already engaged authorities over the proposed N32,000 minimum pension for retirees nationwide.
He added that the Soludo administration had paid pensioners a non-taxable monthly stipend of N10,000 since October 2024.
According to him, top government officials were already reviewing modalities for implementing the new pension structure in Anambra.
Abumisi encouraged pensioners to stay hopeful despite economic challenges.
He noted Tinubu’s approval of pension harmonisation would support retirees.
He explained that pension harmonisation is a policy aimed at ensuring that all pensioners who retired at the same salary grade receive the same pension amount, regardless of their retirement year. This policy, he emphasised, is key to improving pensions and enhancing welfare benefits for retirees nationwide.
