Pensioners’ Plight Worsens: Economic Hardship Takes Toll on Health

The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) has called on the Federal Government to pay its members across the country the six-month salary of 25,000 naira to which they are entitled.
NUP spokesperson, Bunmi Ogunkolade, speaking with journalists on Monday in Abuja, said the Federal Government is yet to implement the announced 25,000 naira wage for 2023.
“As I am speaking with you now, not a single pensioner nationwide has received anything, while workers have enjoyed their N35,000 for six months. So, what did the pensioners do wrong?” he asked.

Ogunkolade commended President Bola Tinubu for his swift assent to the new National Minimum Wage Act and urged pensioners to also participate in the implementation process.
The NUP official said pensioners are feeling the effects of economic hardships in the country more, resulting in the deteriorating health of some of the older members.

“It is pathetic, seeing our members down with health issues, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, prostrate among others, and the state government they served for decades are not concerned about their plight.
“Some state governors would even ask the pensioners if they do not have children that should take care of them.
“But we all know that these are people who have used their youthful energy to serve the nation.
“If they know that their post-retirement life is not guaranteed, they may want to engage in unwholesome activities while in service to guarantee their future,” he said.
Ogunkolade said he was concerned that some pensioners were still receiving as little as 2,000 naira despite having retired 15 years ago. He called on state governors to implement the policy of a 33.4 percent increase in pensions in 2010 and regular increases in 2015 and 2019.